It’s a compliment, if anything.
While Brighton and Hove Albion supporters won’t be thrilled to see another of their star men appear in the gossip columns, the rumours surrounding Ben White, Solly March, Tariq Lamptey and now Yves Bissouma is a reflection on how far the club has come since Graham Potter took over from Chris Hughton in 2019.
Bissouma, a £15 million signing from Lille, only really started to sparkle once Potter arrived, his progressive, all-action style better suited to life under a purist than a pragmatist.
The Mali international has been one of the most improved footballers in the Premier League this year, the meticulous metronome at the heart of Brighton’s midfield.
And, according to talkSPORT, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have now identified Bissouma as a potential replacement for the out-of-contract Gini Wijnaldum at Anfield.
His sensational performance in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Brighton did his reputation no harm, it seems.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is also a big fan and no wonder.
Combining 3.2 tackles per game with an 85 per cent pass completion rate, Bissouma has that perfect blend of tenacity and technique, making him a midfielder perfectly suited to a coach who demands inspiration and perspiration in equal measure.
But with three years left on his contract at The Amex, Brighton find themselves in a position of strength.
They are under no pressure to sell and, having invested £15 million in Bissouma three years ago, his price-tag will have gone through the roof since one of English football’s most watchable midfielders sailed across the Channel.
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