From key midfielder to major question mark at Tottenham
A club at a crossroads
Tottenham Hotspur are approaching a sensitive moment involving one of their most experienced players, with sporting priorities now intersecting with contractual and disciplinary concerns.
As January approaches, the north London club must decide whether to sell, retain, or extend a player whose situation has grown increasingly complicated in recent weeks. The issue is not only about football strategy, but also about risk management and public scrutiny at one of England’s most high profile clubs.
Contract situation explained
According to The Times, Tottenham are considering moving on Yves Bissouma when the January transfer window opens.
Bissouma, a 29 year old midfielder who represents Mali at international level, is in the final months of his current contract, which expires in the summer. Tottenham do hold an option to extend the deal by one additional year, a mechanism often used by clubs to avoid losing players without a transfer fee.
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For readers less familiar with football contracts, this means Spurs must soon choose between selling the player, extending his deal to preserve value, or allowing the contract to run down, which would let him leave for free.
Limited role under new management
Another factor influencing the decision is Bissouma’s absence from match action.
Since Thomas Frank’s arrival as head coach, the midfielder has not played a single competitive minute. In professional football, prolonged non selection can signal a lack of tactical fit, fitness concerns, or internal issues, all of which can reduce a player’s market value.
According to The Times, this lack of involvement has raised questions internally about Bissouma’s future role in the squad, particularly as Tottenham reshape their midfield under a new coaching philosophy.
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Investigation adds off field dimension
Beyond sporting considerations, the situation has taken on a disciplinary aspect.
The Times reported that Tottenham are investigating after footage emerged allegedly showing Bissouma inhaling nitrous oxide. The report noted that this is the second time such allegations have surfaced involving the player.
While no formal conclusion has been announced, the existence of an investigation introduces reputational and behavioral concerns that clubs typically weigh heavily when deciding whether to keep or sell a player.
A decision shaped by timing and risk
With the January window approaching, Tottenham face a narrow window to resolve a situation shaped by expiring contracts, squad planning, and off field scrutiny.
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Activating the one year extension could protect the club financially, but it would also commit Tottenham to another season with unresolved questions about the player’s role and conduct. Allowing the contract to expire, on the other hand, risks losing an asset without compensation.
For a club operating under constant public and commercial pressure, the outcome will signal how it balances performance, discipline, and long term planning.
Sources: The Times
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