Yves Bissouma Finalises Free Transfer to Ajax After Tottenham Exit

The Mali international is currently in Amsterdam to complete his move to the Eredivisie powerhouse after his contract with Tottenham expired. The deal provides a fresh start in the Netherlands for the defensive midfielder following a turbulent finish to his time in north London.

Amsterdam Landing on a Short-Term Deal

Yves Bissouma transfer news

Ajax is securing the 30-year-old on an initial agreement that runs through the conclusion of the campaign, featuring an option to extend for another year. According to De Telegraaf, a one-year deal is on the cards with a further option of another year after his medical was completed on Tuesday. The Eredivisie giants have pursued free-agent opportunities to bolster their squad, having previously indicated their interest in the ace.

The move follows a busy summer for Ajax that counted 11 signings, including free transfers for midfielders Sofyan Amrabat and Julian Brandt. Technical director Jordi Cruyff is still searching for methods to strengthen the midfield, ultimately opening the door for the former Premier League regular.

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The Exit From Tottenham Hotspur

During his time with Spurs, he made a whopping 111 appearances in a Spurs shirt, scored twice, and helped the side secure the 2025 Europa League title.

Yves Bissouma Free Transfer News Ajax Spurs

Yet discipline and off-pitch incidents ultimately derailed his standing under successive managers. Spurs called it quits with Bissouma following antics, involving laughing gas and poor timekeeping. The star was often a target of criticism after footage emerged of him inhaling the gas through a balloon, leading to his suspension by the club in August 2024. He faced further exclusion in August 2025, when the then Spurs manager Thomas Frank left Bissouma out of his squad to face Paris St-Germain in the Uefa Super Cup because of persistent lateness.

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A repeat incident where he was then caught again with laughing gas in late December meant Ajax may have to keep a shorter leash on Bissouma than their predecessors. He made 11 appearances for Tottenham in his final season with the club, with all of them coming in the Premier League as they finished 17th for the second consecutive season. It became clear midway through last season that Tottenham had no interest in offering him a contract extension, and they let him leave at the conclusion of his Tottenham Hotspur contract this summer.

Late Interest and Intermediaries

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Yves Bissouma to sign with Ajax on free transfer

Before settling on the move to Amsterdam, the player’s representatives explored alternative landing spots. Bissouma was even offered to Prem rivals Chelsea by intermediaries after the West London side failed to lock down an Enzo Fernandez replacement late in the window.

Ultimately, no Premier League switch materialized, clearing the path for the European giants, who are reportedly considering rolling the dice on the 30-year-old. Having amassed 202 Premier League appearances across eight seasons, the experienced midfielder brings a wealth of top-flight pedigree to a youthful Ajax squad.

What Lies Ahead in the Eredivisie

With his medical completed, the veteran joins an Ajax side looking to stabilize its midfield rotation.