“Mourinho gave a negative report”: Jose blamed as Fenerbahçe lose Yves Bissouma race to Galatasaray

The battle for Yves Bissouma has sparked controversy in Turkey after Galatasaray moved into pole position to sign the Tottenham midfielder — with fierce rivals Fenerbahçe left pointing fingers at their own manager, José Mourinho.

Reports in Turkey claim a deal is close between Galatasaray and Spurs for the 28-year-old, with Bissouma open to making the switch after falling down the pecking order in Thomas Frank’s midfield. The story has dominated Istanbul football media this week, not only because of the player’s Premier League pedigree, but because Fenerbahçe had been heavily linked earlier in the summer.

Now, some journalists suggest Mourinho himself blocked the deal.

According to AjansFener, reporter Volkan Demir claims Mourinho personally gave a “negative report” on Bissouma, advising against the transfer when Fenerbahçe were still in talks.

Another Turkish journalist, Erdem Akbaş, piled on further criticism, highlighting the support Mourinho has already received from the Fenerbahçe hierarchy.

“Fenerbahçe management brought in four of Mourinho’s starting XI players for this match,” he noted ahead of the Champions League qualifier second leg against Benfica. “Mourinho is one of the highest-earning managers in the Süper Lig and one of the highest-earning managers in Europe. Therefore, the management has the right to expect certain things from Mourinho.”

Bissouma, who joined Spurs from Brighton in 2022, has struggled for consistency in North London. Despite flashes of his ball-winning quality, injuries and competition from the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr have limited his minutes under Thomas Frank.

A switch to Turkey would provide the Mali international with a fresh start, but the fact Galatasaray could secure him at the expense of Fenerbahçe adds an extra layer of rivalry.

FootballPlace analyst John William believes Mourinho’s situation reflects the tension between star managers and ambitious boards:

“Mourinho wanted control, but in Turkey the expectation is immediate success. If Galatasaray secure Bissouma, Fenerbahçe fans will ask why their manager turned him down. It becomes a political issue as much as a football one.”

William added: “From Tottenham’s perspective, Bissouma moving on makes sense — he’s not central to Postecoglou’s plans. But the way it has unfolded, with Mourinho’s name directly attached, makes this more than just a transfer miss. It’s a test of his authority in Istanbul.”

Galatasaray hope to finalise terms with Tottenham in the coming days, with the deal likely to be a permanent transfer. Bissouma is expected to push for a move given his lack of opportunities in North London.

For Mourinho, the stakes are clear. Beat Benfica and silence grows quieter; lose, and the questions over his transfer calls — particularly on Bissouma — will only get louder.

Do you think Mourinho was right to dismiss Bissouma — or has he made a costly error in the transfer market?