Ajax have signed Mali international midfielder Yves Bissouma on a free transfer, with the 30-year-old agreeing a contract that runs until 30 June 2027.
The move takes immediate effect after Bissouma’s contract with Tottenham Hotspur expired this summer. He joins the Amsterdam club after four seasons with Tottenham, having previously played in the Premier League for Brighton & Hove Albion.
Ajax confirmed an agreement had been reached with Bissouma, who joins the Dutch club as a free agent.
The midfielder’s arrival adds a player with experience of top-level football in England and France to the Ajax squad. He has also represented Mali at international level since making his senior debut in 2016.
Ajax technical director Jordi Cruijff said the club had been in discussions with Bissouma since August and expressed his satisfaction at completing the deal.
“Discussions with Yves began in August and we are delighted that he has now signed for Ajax. We have brought in an experienced player who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level. He is capable of playing in several positions, and we hope he will be available for selection as soon as possible.”
Bissouma was born in Issia, Côte d’Ivoire, on 30 August 1996 and also holds Malian nationality. Although born in Ivory Coast, he represents Mali at international level.
He began his senior career with Real Bamako before moving to France, where he signed his first professional contract with Ligue 1 side Lille OSC in 2016.
After two years at Lille, Bissouma moved to England to join Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018. The transfer fee was not disclosed.
He spent four seasons with Brighton and established himself as a regular in the Premier League before making another move in 2022.
Tottenham signed Bissouma for £30m, bringing him to north London after his spell at Brighton. During his time with Tottenham, he was part of the team that won the UEFA Europa League in 2025.
His contract with Tottenham subsequently expired this summer, allowing him to leave the club as a free agent.
Bissouma now begins the next stage of his career with Ajax, with his deal taking him through to the end of June 2027.
At international level, he made his senior debut for Mali in 2016 and has been selected for four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
His performances for Mali also earned wider recognition, with Bissouma named in the CAF Team of the Year in 2024.
The midfielder’s career has therefore taken him from Mali and France to the Premier League and now the Netherlands, where he will continue his career with Ajax.
The Amsterdam club said it hopes Bissouma will be available for selection as soon as possible.
