Benfica working on a deal to sign former Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma | OneFootball

Portuguese giants Benfica are actively working on a deal to sign former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma.

The ‘exceptional‘ Mali international became a free agent earlier this summer after his contract expired.

Talks are already underway as the Lisbon outfit seek to convince the former Brighton & Hove Albion man, who is aiming to revive his career after a turbulent final season in the Premier League.

Bissouma’s four-year spell in England was marked by both immense talent and frustration. After arriving in 2022, he made 111 appearances across all competitions.

His standout moment in a Spurs shirt came in May 2025, when he played the full 90 minutes as Tottenham defeated Manchester United to lift the Europa League trophy.

However, his final year in London was disrupted by disciplinary issues and inconsistent form, limiting him to just 11 appearances after he returned to the squad only in January.

A series of off-field incidents ultimately soured his relationship with the club hierarchy, leading to his release at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

Despite his recent setbacks, Benfica view Bissouma as a premium market opportunity.

The Portuguese club believe that a change of scenery could help the midfielder rediscover the elite form he showed during his peak years in England.

Signing a player of Bissouma’s calibre on a free transfer would represent a major coup for Benfica, adding crucial depth for both their domestic campaign and European ambitions.

Negotiations are expected to continue in the coming days as Benfica work to finalise personal terms and fend off competition for the energetic midfielder.