Malian midfielder Yves Bissouma is reportedly a priority target for Ajax Amsterdam, with the Dutch club exploring a move for the free agent following his departure from Tottenham Hotspur.
The 30-year-old Mali international is available without a transfer fee after his contract with Tottenham ended, giving Ajax an opportunity to add an experienced midfielder despite the closure of the transfer window.
Ajax have stepped up their efforts to bring Bissouma to Amsterdam, with discussions said to have intensified in recent hours.
Jordi Cruyff is reportedly pushing strongly for the deal as Ajax look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of a demanding season.
Bissouma has extensive experience at the highest level, having previously played for Lille, Brighton and Tottenham.
His experience in English football and ability to operate in different midfield roles are believed to have made him an attractive option for Ajax.
The Malian is known for his work rate and physical strength in midfield and can play both as a defensive midfielder and in a box-to-box role.
His versatility would give Ajax another option in the middle of the pitch as the club attempt to compete across several competitions.
However, Bissouma’s physical condition has reportedly been one of the issues surrounding a potential move.
The midfielder was affected by injuries during his final season at Tottenham, while questions have also previously been raised about his behaviour.
Tottenham suspended Bissouma in 2024 for using nitrous oxide, a development that has remained part of the considerations surrounding the player.
Despite those concerns, Ajax are continuing to explore the possibility of completing the deal.
The club’s interest in the Malian midfielder is not new, but uncertainty over his fitness and other issues had reportedly prevented the move from progressing earlier.
With Bissouma now a free agent, Ajax can still negotiate a deal even though the transfer window has officially closed.
The potential move would form part of an ambitious recruitment strategy at the Dutch club.
Ajax have already been active in the transfer market, with the club bringing in Marcos Leonardo, Viktor Tsygankov, Sofyan Amrabat and Marc-André ter Stegen.
Adding Bissouma would represent another significant move as Ajax continue to reshape their squad.
Cruyff is reportedly keen to make a major impact with the recruitment strategy, with the club seeking to improve after four seasons without a title.
The approach has involved calculated risks, including loans and free-agent signings, rather than relying solely on expensive permanent transfers.
The aim is to give Ajax sufficient depth to compete on three fronts: the Eredivisie, the Dutch Cup and the Conference League.
