Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma is yet to feature this season under Thomas Frank, with his exclusion from both Premier League and Champions League squads sparking growing debate. The 27-year-old, who has been linked with an exit as his contract runs down towards 2026, was reportedly told to seek a new club last summer.
Despite staying in north London, the Mali international has not been selected by Frank since the Dane replaced Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked in May despite guiding Spurs to Europa League glory. The decision has drawn both support and surprise, with former Mali defender Cédric Kanté suggesting that while discipline needed to be enforced, the scale of Bissouma’s exclusion raises questions.
Kanté: Discipline justified, but omission surprising
Kanté, speaking to Africa Foot, confirmed reports that Bissouma was disciplined after arriving late for training ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain in Udine back in August.
“I think there was a break before the UEFA Super Cup against PSG in Udine in August, when Bissouma arrived late for training several times. Thomas Frank disciplined him, which seemed normal to me at the time. It’s logical for the coach to enforce the squad’s disciplinary rules.” — Cédric Kanté
However, Kanté admitted his surprise at how far the punishment has gone, with Bissouma not even registered for the Champions League group stage.
“On the other hand, his absence from the squad list for the Champions League surprised me. And what’s more, he’s not playing in the league. That’s a lot, for a few late arrivals. And I’m naturally wondering if there’s something else going on. But I don’t have any information on that.” — Cédric Kanté
Palhinha’s arrival raises competition
Frank’s preference for summer signing João Palhinha has only deepened the challenge facing Bissouma. The Portuguese midfielder has slotted seamlessly into Tottenham’s system, helping Spurs climb to fourth in the Premier League while also making a strong start in Europe.
Kanté conceded that breaking back into the side will not be easy, but insisted Bissouma still has the qualities to make an impact.
“I hope so, because he’s a very good player. He has qualities, and he’s shown them since playing in England. He’s reliable and useful for the team. I think he could be of service. However, Yves Bissouma, if he trains well, can still hope to turn things around and be part of the rotation again.” — Cédric Kanté
Analyst verdict: Spurs playing hardball
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Frank’s approach reflects Tottenham’s ruthlessness under their new regime:
“Frank has drawn a line with Bissouma and, rightly or wrongly, is sticking to it. Palhinha’s arrival means Spurs can afford to take a hard stance, and it leaves Bissouma with little margin for error. His only way back is through professionalism and patience on the training ground.”
Key insights
- Yves Bissouma hasn’t featured once this season under Thomas Frank.
- Former Mali defender Cédric Kanté confirmed repeated late arrivals to training in August.
- The midfielder was omitted from Tottenham’s Champions League squad list.
- João Palhinha’s form has made it harder for Bissouma to regain his place.
- Kanté insists Bissouma can still “turn things around” if he trains well.
What’s next for Bissouma and Spurs?
Tottenham’s strong start under Frank — sitting fourth in the Premier League and unbeaten in Europe — means the coach has little incentive to alter his midfield formula. With Palhinha excelling and other options proving reliable, Bissouma faces an uphill battle to convince his manager.
For Bissouma, the coming months may prove decisive. Either he wins back Frank’s trust with consistency in training, or Spurs could look to offload him in January to avoid losing value as his contract edges closer to its final year.
👉 Do you think Yves Bissouma still has a future at Tottenham — or is his time under Thomas Frank already over?
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