Tottenham sign Brighton midfielder Bissouma

Tottenham have completed the signing of Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma for a reported fee of £25million.

The 25-year-old signed a four-year deal with Antonio Conte’s side on Friday.

Conte reportedly demanded assurances from Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy that his side would spend to compete with the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea after qualifying for the Champions League.

The Italian has subsequently been granted his wishes, with the experienced Ivan Perisic and back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster joining the London club before they landed Bissouma.

Mali international Bissouma had been linked with Spurs’ fierce rivals Arsenal, Everton and Aston Villa.

Introducing our third summer signing…  pic.twitter.com/GMEjKo1MH9

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 17, 2022

Brighton head coach Graham Potter told the club’s official website: “The transfer is a very good one for the club and player.

“Yves has shown his undoubted ability and been an important player during his time with us.

“Now he has a new challenge with Tottenham, including the opportunity to play Champions League football, and everyone at the club wishes him well.”

Bissouma will provide competition in the middle of the park for Tottenham, who already have Rodrigo Bentancur, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp in their ranks.

The former Lille man was a standout performer for the Seagulls after leaving France for the Premier League in 2018.

Bissouma made 26 Premier League appearances for Brighton last season and ranked fourth in their team in successful passes (1,059) and duels won (145). He was second in completed tackles (49).