Ajax relies on Bissouma's experience until 2027
Free since the end of his contract with Tottenham this summer, the Malian midfielder Yves Bissouma signs for Ajax Amsterdam until mid‑2027, as the Dutch club has just confirmed a need for reinforcements after a 5‑1 victory over Willem II.
A free transfer until 2027
The 35‑year‑old arrives in Amsterdam as a free player, his contract with Tottenham having expired at the end of the summer. He has signed an agreement that ties him to Ajax until mid‑2027, will wear number 28 and was introduced on Wednesday morning, after the team's 5‑1 victory over Willem II on Tuesday evening.
Bissouma broke through at French club Lille before spending eight seasons in the Premier League, including four years at Brighton & Hove Albion. In 2022, he joined Tottenham Hotspur for thirty million euros, amassing more than two hundred matches in England, with five goals and two assists. He has forty‑six caps for Mali and was suspended for two years earlier after a video was released showing him consuming nitrous oxide.
Ajax had been looking for a number 6 for a long time, a position finally taken this summer by Sofyan Amrabat, who also arrived on a free transfer. Amrabat was able to be registered in time for the group stage of the Conference League, whereas Bissouma missed the September 2 deadline. The club nevertheless hopes to be able to bring him into the squad for the knockout phase if the European campaign continues.
Guardian praises two Dutch talents from Ajax and Feyenoord, plus a PSV player
A key role and the European constraint
“Met Yves, the talks started in August and we are happy that he has signed,” said technical director Jordi Cruijff. He emphasized that the Malian is an experienced player, capable of operating in several positions, and that coach Míchel Sánchez wanted a versatile midfielder to strengthen the build‑up from the back.
Because the registration deadline was missed, Bissouma will not be able to take part in the group stage of the Conference League. If Ajax survives the group stage, he can be registered for the round of 16, according to UEFA rules.
The club has scheduled the first match with the new midfielder for Saturday evening at 20:00, against Excelsior Rotterdam, after the three‑week international break. This fixture represents the first opportunity for Bissouma to play in the Eredivisie and to prove his adaptation to the Dutch style.
In addition to his club exploits, Bissouma has scored two goals for Mali and has taken part in several World Cup qualifying campaigns. His discipline, however, has been tested, the two‑year suspension reminding of the off‑field conduct requirements.