Who is Yves Bissouma? The Brighton star Liverpool want to replace Wijnaldum

Nicholas Hughes

• 27 Aug 2021 12:00 BST
• 6 min read

Yves Bissouma’s stocks have steadily risen since his move to Brighton and Hove Albion from Lille three years ago.

After a difficult first campaign, the Malian has developed into a key player for the Seagulls, breaking out in the 2020/21 season with 36 appearances in the Premier League.

Bissouma has already shown his quality again for Brighton in the opening weeks of the new season, with an excellent display in the second week of the season helping Graham Potter’s side to secure a 2-0 win over Watford.

Many clubs both in England and abroad have been linked with his signature, and he could soon get a big move away from the Amex Stadium as his career continues to develop.

What position does Yves Bissouma play in?

Bissouma is a versatile central midfielder, capable of playing a number of different roles through the middle. He is best as a box-to-box midfielder, using his energy on both sides of the ball.

How good is Yves Bissouma?

Bissouma has emerged as one of the Premier League’s more exciting midfielders, and still has a very high ceiling at just 24 years of age.

Brighton boss Potter waxed lyrical of his star man in April 2021, saying that he could hold is own against anyone in world football.

“He’s got incredible potential, he’s got incredible talent, he’s got the attributes to play midfield in any game in the world,” he said.

While not being the tallest player at 178cm tall, Bissouma is a strong, powerful runner through midfield with a superb engine allowing to cover large areas of the pitch over a 90-minute display.

He is a top ball-winner and excellent reader of the game defensively while on the ball, he has an eye for a creative pass and is a technically gifted dribbler.

What clubs are interested in Yves Bissouma?

Liverpool are rumoured to be making a late push to take Bissouma from the south coast in the 2021 summer transfer window, having harboured an interest in him for some time.

Jurgen Klopp is believed to be a big admirer of the Malian, and the Express have linked the Reds with a potential £40 million move.

Bissouma has been linked to a number of top Premier League clubs in the last year, with Arsenal and Manchester United in particular believed to keeping an eye on him alongside Manchester City.

Real Madrid had even been mentioned in the conversation at one stage, indicative of rapid development that Bissouma has made in his game.

When does Yves Bissouma’s contract expire?

Bissouma’s current contract at Brighton runs until the summer of 2023, meaning Brighton won’t feel obliged to sell immediately.

The Seagulls have reportedly opened talks with the player to extend his deal in an attempt to ward off interest, so Bissouma could end up having a choice to make.

What is Yves Bissouma’s Instagram?

Bissouma has 123k followers on his Instagram, as of August 2021.

Who is Yves Bissouma’s girlfriend?

Bissouma is not currently dating anyone publicly.