Yves Bissouma may have played his last Tottenham game after AFCON Call-Up

Yves Bissouma may have played his final game for Tottenham Hotspur after being named in Mali’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The midfielder, who has not featured once for Spurs this season, is set to link up with his national team in the coming days — a development that could effectively bring his Tottenham career to a close.

According to Africa Foot United, Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has released his final AFCON squad list, with Bissouma’s recall described as one of the “major highlights” of the announcement. The 29-year-old has missed recent international camps but returns as part of a refreshed group that includes several players making their tournament debut.

Mali open their AFCON campaign against Zambia on December 22, meaning Bissouma must report for national team duty imminently. Given that he has not been involved for Tottenham under Thomas Frank — and is not considered part of the club’s long-term plans — his departure for international duty may mark the end of his time in north London.

Tottenham attempted to find a buyer during the summer window but were unable to reach an agreement despite interest from multiple clubs. Reports throughout the autumn have continued to state that Spurs will seek to move him on in January. His appearance at AFCON means he would miss a significant part of the winter schedule anyway, further reducing any realistic pathway back into the team.

In short: Bissouma leaving to join Mali may double as his unofficial Tottenham farewell.

The midfielder has not played a single minute this season. Thomas Frank has built his midfield structure around other profiles, and internal sources have long indicated that Bissouma is available for transfer. Competition from the likes of Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr, Gray and Lucas Bergvall has left him with virtually no opportunity to re-establish himself.

Even if he were to return from AFCON mid-season, the club’s stance is expected to remain unchanged. January presents a natural exit window — and several teams are already assessing his situation.

In our view, Yves Bissouma last Tottenham appearance storyline reflects a player whose career at the club has simply reached its natural conclusion. Although some supporters hoped he could revive his form from his Brighton days, the reality is that Bissouma has never fully fit the tactical models of either Postecoglou or Frank. The AFCON call-up is just the final step in a process that has been unfolding for months.

From my experience covering Premier League exits, international tournaments often accelerate transfers. Scouts get a fresh chance to evaluate a player, agents push opportunities, and clubs reach clarity. Bissouma is expected to attract interest from France, Italy, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia — with Tottenham open to both loan and permanent offers.

A fair counterpoint: AFCON performances could raise his value or expand his market. But it will not change Tottenham’s stance.

Tottenham’s January priorities — a left winger, depth at full-back, and potentially another midfielder — underline that Bissouma is not in the blueprint. His departure will free up wages and allow the club to reshape the squad more effectively. Internally, Spurs view this as the right time for both parties to separate.

Bissouma will travel to join Mali’s pre-tournament preparations, with Tottenham expected to advance negotiations for his exit once the January window opens. For Spurs, attention turns to reinforcing the squad; for Bissouma, AFCON becomes both an opportunity and a goodbye.

👉 Spurs fans — do you think Bissouma should have been given another chance, or is this the right time to part ways?