Fenerbahce president reveals reason Turkish club pulled plug on deal to sign Tottenham star Yves Bissouma in summer transfer window

Bissouma’s future at Tottenham has been clouded for months. Since Thomas Frank’s arrival as manager, the 29-year-old has slipped down the pecking order, sparking rumours that Spurs were open to offloading him before his contract winds down. 

Several reports suggested Bissouma was torn between chasing a lucrative move to Turkiye and staying in England for another year to secure a British passport, a factor that would make any exit trickier. While some Turkish outlets claimed he was eager to join Fenerbahce, others hinted he was reluctant to leave the Premier League just yet.  

Speaking to Fener Ajans, Koc cleared the air and admitted Bissouma was the man at the very top of their shopping list. 

“We all want a number 8. Bissouma was close, but he got injured,” he said. “We want a smart number 8. She can distribute the ball intelligently and play box-to-box. We’re working on a young player. Transfers at Fenerbahce don’t end until the last minute. Those coming in and out never end. We’ll push the envelope until the last moment.”

Koc’s explanation raises eyebrows, as Bissouma was reported to have shaken off a muscle problem and returned to training on August 30. With the Turkish deadline not closing until September 12, sceptics believe the injury line might be more of a smokescreen than a genuine obstacle. Adding fuel to the fire, a report from Turkey last week alleged that Fenerbahce officials had been handed “a whole sheet of paper” outlining personal concerns and red flags over signing the player. 

Whatever the truth, it seems Bissouma won’t be boarding a flight to Istanbul before the window shuts. Instead, he has a tricky clash away at West Ham United on September 13 to focus on as Premier League football resumes after the international break.