Graham Potter has admitted that, while he hopes to hang on to rumoured Tottenham target Yves Bissouma, cashing in on players such as the 25-year-old can help Brighton rebuild their squad.
Bissouma was reportedly on Tottenham’s radar during the January transfer window, with Spurs alleged to be battling the likes of Man Utd and Aston Villa for the midfielder’s signature during the final few days of the window (The Daily Mail).
However, the Mali international ended up staying put at the Amex Stadium even though he only has 18 months left to run on his contract with the Seagulls (Transfermarkt).
After returning from the African Cup of Nations, Bissouma started for Brighton in the FA Cup fourth-round clash against Spurs on Saturday and the midfielder gave an excellent account of himself at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium despite tasting defeat.
Potter praised Bissouma’s performance against Spurs and admitted that Brighton’s task is to keep the player as happy as possible.
Following his side’s 3-1 loss to Tottenham, Potter told The Daily Express: “He (Bissouma) is an important player for us and it looks like he is enjoying his football with us. Second half he had a lot of impressive actions.
“Every player has their own attributes. Yves has his and he has that ability to drive away from people. That makes him the player he is. As a coach, you can’t expect to have 11 Bissoumas.
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“Absolutely (it is important to keep Bissouma). I have spoken about this a lot and there is always speculation. As a club we are quite strong we don’t have to sell anybody but we also know selling players helps us improve as a club.
“It is important he is with us and he is enjoying his football. While he is doing that it is great for us and good for him.
“Everyone has their own model. It is ridiculous to think we can compete with Tottenham because you only have to look at the size and stature of the club.
“You have to take players that aren’t proven and help them get there and reach their maximum.”
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Given their business model, Brighton will have little choice but to cash in on Bissouma in the summer unless he signs a contract extension.
He could well be available for a cut-price fee due to his contract situation, although one would expect plenty of Premier League clubs to show interest in the 25-year-old, which could drive his price up a little.
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