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Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma will return to the club after Mali’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended in the quarter-finals with defeat to Senegal. The 29-year-old received a red card in the first half of the 1-0 loss, compounding his team’s elimination from the tournament.
Yves Bissouma Set for Tottenham Return After Red Card Ends Mali AFCON Campaign
Bissouma captained Mali for four of their five AFCON matches, helping secure draws against hosts Morocco and Comoros before a penalty shootout victory over Tunisia in the round of 16. The midfielder’s tournament ended in disappointment during the quarter-final against Senegal, where an Iliman Ndiaye goal in the 27th minute proved decisive for the opposition.
The Tottenham star’s evening deteriorated when he received two yellow cards in the first half, the first for a foul in the 23rd minute and the second in stoppage time, reducing Mali to ten men. Spurs teammate Pape Matar Sarr remained an unused substitute for Senegal during the match that eliminated Bissouma’s side from the competition.
Bissouma’s return to Hotspur Way comes amid uncertainty over his role under manager Thomas Frank, having failed to make a Premier League appearance this season due to injury problems. A combination of ankle and knee issues have kept the midfielder sidelined, forcing him to miss Mali’s first group stage match at AFCON and raising questions about his place in Frank’s plans.
The 29-year-old’s position has been further complicated by disciplinary issues, including being dropped from the UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain in August due to lateness. With the January transfer window open and Transfermarkt valuing Bissouma at £13 million, significantly below the £30 million Tottenham paid Brighton in 2023, his latest red card for Mali could impact potential interest from other clubs.
Frank confirmed the club’s active pursuit of squad improvements during the January window, stating they are working “very, very, very hard” to strengthen the team. The manager emphasized the challenge of the January market while noting that any new signings must contribute to both short-term and long-term success, with Tottenham already completing the £35 million sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace.
