Jose Mourinho identifies Tottenham midfield star as potential Fred replacement

The arrival of Yves Bissouma from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer 2022 was considered a huge coup for Tottenham following his strong four-year spell at the Amex Stadium, where he became one of the most dominant central midfielders in the Premier League. However, things have not gone as per the plan and the Malian international for a combination of factors has failed to live up to his full potential at N17.

The 28-year-old fell down the pecking order under former boss Ange Postecoglou last season, starting just 16 from 28 Premier League games. The last 18 months for the player has been marred by underwhelming displays, ill-discipline and injury issues.

Spurs had offered Bissouma to Fenerbahce at the start of the summer transfer window, and now it looks like the Turkish club are taking steps to make a deal happen. According to a report from Turkish Football, Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho has green-lighted the sale of Fred to Everton to make room for Bissouma in his squad.

Everton will need to cough up around £17million to sign Fred, who has performed very well for Fenerbahce since arriving from Manchester United in 2023. The Turkish club will make a sizeable profit if they can persuade the Toffees to pay that fee, which could in turn go a long way in funding the Bissouma deal.

At 28, Bissouma is four years younger than Fred and would bring more physicality than the diminutive Brazilian to Mourinho’s midfield. Fenerbahce wanting the Malian is good news for Tottenham, and his departure would allow Daniel Levy to bring in a midfielder that fits into Frank’s system.