“Very good”: Manager is pleased to see his “excellent” 25-year-old joining Tottenham

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Graham Potter has been speaking to Brighton’s official website after Yves Bissouma completed his £25m move to Tottenham.

What’s the story?

Well, the 47-year-old actually sounds pleased with the deal, despite the fact he’s losing a man who is arguably his best player.

Potter described the transfer as a “very good one” for the Seagulls, and didn’t express any sort of sadness at the fact Bissouma was joining Antonio Conte in north London.

As quoted by Brighton’s official website, he said: “The transfer is a very good one for the club and player. Yves has shown his undoubted ability and been an important player during his time with us.

“Now he has a new challenge with Tottenham, including the opportunity to play Champions League football, and everyone at the club wishes him well.”

Now, we’re assuming Potter would rather have kept Bissouma at the Amex Stadium, although his comments sound like he’s mostly happy with the fee Brighton received.

In truth, the Mali international is worth a lot more than £25m – Aston Villa were quoted £40m earlier this year, for example.

However, with just 12 months remaining on his contract, it seems Brighton have decided to take the money and run, rather than risk losing Bissouma on a free transfer next summer.

In his final season on the south coast, the Malian – who Gary Lineker called “excellent” – made 28 appearances, scoring two goals while also providing two assists.

Yves Bissouma will shine at Tottenham

In our view, this has the potential to be the signing of the summer, given the age, quality and price of Bissouma.

Aged just 25, Spurs are buying the Malian with his best years ahead of him, fresh from a season in which he outdid every Tottenham midfielder in terms of tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes (Planet Football).

With Conte coaching him, and Champions League football to come, Bissouma will surely become an improved player in no time, and will also make that £25m fee seem even more of a bargain next summer.

Surrounded by quality players, coaches and facilities, such as Hotspur Way and the state-of-the-art stadium, we are confident that Bissouma will be one of the best performers in the Premier League next term.