Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Fabrizio Romano has been discussing Yves Bissouma and an approach Newcastle made to sign the Malian in January.
The Brighton midfielder looks as though he’s on his way to Tottenham. The Times have reported that a fee has been agreed, and Romano has now backed up that report himself.
However, things could have turned out rather differently.
Indeed, according to Romano, Bissouma had a proposal from Newcastle, but he decided to stall on the Magpies’ offer to see if a Champions League club would come in for him, and that gamble has paid off as the ‘excellent’ midfielder looks to be on his way to Spurs.
What’s been said?
Romano spoke about Bissouma.
“Tottenham have a verbal agreement in place with Brighton for Yves Bissouma to become the new midfielder for Antonio Conte. We know that they were looking for many new signings this summer. Now for Bissouma, an agreement is in place, they need to discuss the final details, but everything is in place between Tottenham and Brighton for Bissouma,” Romano said.
“Bissouma has always been a potential target for many clubs. I can reveal to you that back in January, Newcastle wanted him with an important proposal, but the player was waiting because he wanted to play in the Champions League this season and he can have that this season with Tottenham.”
Sliding doors moment
All of a sudden, Newcastle’s win against Arsenal towards the end of last season has come back to bite them.
Indeed, the Magpies’ victory against the Gunners handed a place in the top four to Tottenham, and now, Bissouma is set to sign for Spurs as they can offer him Champions League football.
Although it was a great result at the time, Newcastle may end up regretting that victory against Arsenal in May.
If Tottenham had finished fifth, perhaps Bissouma would have been heading to Tyneside instead.
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