Story by
Former Spurs Midfielder Yves Bissouma Explains Decision To Join Ajax
- Story by
- Former Spurs Midfielder Yves Bissouma Explains Decision To Join Ajax
(Action Images via Reuters)
Ajax sign Yves Bissouma !
Ajax confirmed the signing of Yves Bissouma on Wednesday. The former T ottenham Hotspur midfielder has signed a contract with Ajax until June 2027. According to Mike Verweij , the deal includes a clause that extends the contract for a further year after Bissouma makes a certain number of appearances.
Advertisement
A new defensive midfielder was a top priority for Ajax, and the Amsterdammers completed the signing of Sofyan Amrabat on a free transfer. Even after signing Amrabat, Ajax remained in the market for a player who could play as a no. 6 or no. 8 after Youri Regeer left for Werder Bremen on loan following a poor start to the season with Ajax.
In Bissouma, Ajax have now signed a player who fits the profile that they were after. He can play as both a no. 6 and no. 8 and adds a lot of experience to the squad. Bissouma reportedly attracted interest from clubs in Europe's top five leagues, but the Malian midfielder decided to move to Ajax.
Bissouma has eight years of Premier League experience. He spent four years at Brighton and Hove Albion before moving to Spurs , where he also spent four years. He made over 200 Premier League appearances over those eight seasons.
Bissouma explains why he joined Ajax
In an interview published by Ajax, Bissouma explained why he decided to move to Ajax.
Advertisement
"Ajax deserves to be where it belongs in Europe. I think it was very interesting for me because everyone knows that Ajax is a good team," Bissouma said.
"They love playing football, and I think we think the same way about football. So it was easier to make this choice after the conversation with them. The most important thing is that I am here. I am excited to be on the pitch, to meet my new teammates and to try to help the team in any way possible. You will see the rest on the pitch.
"I am someone who is really there for his teammates and who tries to push them every day. To show them that we can do better, that we can do more. That sort of thing. That is in me. I am not the coach, but as I said, I am here to add that. My role is to try to help the team and bring the team to where it deserves to be."
Ajax have a good chance of winning the Eredivisie
Ajax currently sit three points behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven after six games. While Peter Bosz's side may be the favourites for the title, Ajax have a very good chance after a successful transfer window.
Advertisement
One of the biggest positives about Ajax's performances so far this season has been the number of goals they have scored. In their six Eredivisie games so far this season, Ajax have scored 19 goals, including 10 in the last two games. They also scored 22 goals in their six UEFA Conference League qualifying games.
The likes of Simon Adingra and Rayane Bounida are also yet to play as they recover from injuries. Ajax's options in attack will only become stronger when the duo return to action.
New signings Marc ter Stegen , Thilo Kehrer , Julian Brandt and Sofyan Amrabat are all top-quality players with plenty of experience at the highest level. Brandt, in particular, has made an outstanding start to his time in Amsterdam.
Ajax also have very good squad depth in most positions, which means that they should be able to compete on multiple fronts, both domestically and continentally. And even if Ajax do not win a trophy this season, the foundations laid by Jordi Cruijff are very strong, and it should only be a matter of time until the club get back to the top of Dutch football.
