Yves Bissouma close to joining Ajax on short-term deal

Yves Bissouma is closing in on a move to Ajax. The former Tottenham midfielder, now 30, is expected to sign a short-term contract with the Amsterdam club, bringing an end to several months without competitive football.

• Initial deal runs until the end of the season with an option for one extra year.
• The player has been a free agent since his Spurs contract expired in June.
• Bissouma is already in Amsterdam to complete the formalities.
• He made 111 appearances for Tottenham after joining from Brighton in 2022.
• His final season in north London featured just 11 Premier League outings.

Yves Bissouma arrives at Ajax as a free agent

The Mali international has been without a club since the summer, when his deal with Tottenham Hotspur came to an end. Interest had come from several directions in recent months, but Ajax have now moved decisively to secure his signature.

The proposed agreement would keep Bissouma in Amsterdam until the conclusion of the current campaign. Both sides would then have the possibility of triggering a further twelve-month extension if the partnership works well.

How Ajax structured Bissouma's contract offer

The Eredivisie side have taken a cautious approach with a short-term contract that includes an option for an additional season. That formula is common in the winter market for players who have been out of action and need time to regain match sharpness.

Bissouma is already in the Dutch capital to undergo medical checks and finalise the move. Barring any late complications, Ajax will announce the signing in the coming hours or days.

Bissouma's time at Tottenham: from big signing to quiet exit

The midfielder arrived at Tottenham in 2022 following a high-profile switch from Brighton, where he had established himself as one of the most reliable holding players in the Premier League. He went on to make 111 official appearances for Spurs, though his spell in north London did not end as he would have wanted.

His final season in England was particularly quiet. Bissouma featured in only 11 matches, all in the league, during a campaign in which Tottenham finished 17th for the second consecutive year.

The UEFA Super Cup episode under Thomas Frank

In August 2025, Bissouma faced one of the most difficult moments of his Tottenham career. Then head coach Thomas Frank left him out of the squad for the UEFA Super Cup meeting with Paris Saint-Germain.

The decision was linked to persistent issues with lateness. That episode marked a turning point in the relationship between the player and the club, and his involvement gradually decreased until his departure in June.

What Bissouma adds to Ajax's project

Ajax are looking to reinforce their midfield with an experienced profile who combines physical presence and good distribution. Bissouma knows elite European football from his years in the Premier League and can offer both defensive cover and composure in possession.

His versatility as a defensive midfielder allows him to operate either as a ball-winner or in build-up play, qualities that fit naturally into Dutch football. The immediate challenge will be regaining competitive rhythm after a long period without official matches.

Next steps in the operation

Bissouma's arrival at Ajax could become official within days once medical and administrative procedures are completed. The player is already in Amsterdam and, unless something unexpected happens, he will be one of the club's first winter additions.