Yves Bissouma joined Ajax on a free transfer after leaving Spurs upon the expiry of his contract. The Malian international signed a one-year contract in Amsterdam, with the option for another year.
“I feel good. It means a lot to be here,” Bissouma said in his first club interview.
“Ajax is one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and to be part of the journey of this amazing club is nice.”
Technical director Jordi Cruyff revealed that he had been in contact with Bissouma since August. The club were looking to further strengthen the midfield after a transformative summer, which saw Ajax add 11 new players to the senior squad.
“I spoke with a lot of people here, like Jordi and the manager. They explained the project, and it was very interesting to me; that’s why I’m here,” Bissouma continued.
“They told me what they want to do this year and in the upcoming years. Ajax deserve to be in Europe.”
Ambitions and controversies
Ajax are coming off their joint-worst season finish in points since 1963 and only qualified for the UEFA Conference League through the qualifiers. The Amsterdam giants haven’t won a league title since Erik ten Hag left in 2022, and Cruyff’s project convinced Bissouma to join the effort to bring the glory days back.
“It was very interesting to me because everyone knows Ajax are a very good team; they like playing football, and we share the same idea of football. It was easy to make the decision after speaking with them.”
Bissouma left Tottenham Hotspur after four controversy-filled years. The 30-year-old was caught with laughing gas twice and was suspended by manager Thomas Frank in August 2025 after consistent tardiness.
Despite the personal setbacks, Bissouma is clear about what he brings to this Ajax team: “The most important thing for me is that I’m here. I’m very excited to be on the pitch, to meet my new teammates, and to help the team however I can. There’s nothing more to say – you’ll see the rest on the pitch.
“I bring experience; I’m a very experienced player. I’m a guy who’s there for his teammates, trying to push them every day, to show them we can do better and do more. I have that in me. I’m trying to help the team to where it needs to be.”
Ajax are currently in fourth in the Dutch Eredivisie, three points behind champions and leaders PSV. Manager Michel Sanchez’s team will kick off their UEFA Conference League campaign on October 15th, away at Hajduk Split, though Bissouma will not play in the League Phase after missing the registration deadline.
For Bissouma, it’s clear what his goal in Amsterdam is: “I want to win everything with Ajax this year. I want to win every game; I’m a winner, I want to win every game.”
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