Man Utd identify two priority targets who could each cost club-record fees

Manchester United are considering selling captain Bruno Fernandes amid interest from the Saudi Pro League with two major targets picked out to replace the club captain.

Man Utd identify two priority targets

Amorim stressed the importance of securing a much-needed Old Trafford win when Manchester United host “top team” Bournemouth on Monday, looking to continue a run of form which has seen United pick up seven points from three matches since the disappointment against Everton.

Captain Fernandes has been phenomenal in that run, scoring twice and providing three assists, but INEOS are now open to the Portugal star’s departure in order to fund new signings.

According to a recent report, Saudi Pro League clubs are set to offer Fernandes a way out of Old Trafford, with both Al Hilal and Al Ittihad considering a move in the region of £70m.

INEOS view the 31-year-old as the club’s most sellable asset and as someone worth cashing in on before his value decreases, with his contract set to expire in just over 18 months.

The Red Devils do hold an option to extend his stay by another year until June 2028, but they have identified two top targets which will require funds in Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson and Brighton and Hove Albion enforcer Carlos Baleba.

Both players could cost club record fees and INEOS are determined to make United financially secure while rebuilding Amorim’s squad.

Forest are set to demand ‘£100m-plus’ for Anderson while Baleba’s price is in the region of £74m.

Mainoo could be sold instead Man Utd gem could be "the world's best", but he's becoming the new Mainoo

Manchester United have one star in their ranks who could suffer the same fate as Kobbie Mainoo.

ByEthan Lamb 3 days ago

The other option on offer to INEOS is to cash in on their homegrown talent Kobbie Mainoo. While the 20 year-old’s value has suffered after falling out of favour this season, his status as an England international guarantees a good return which would go down as pure profit.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in a move for the young midfielder while there is also interest from Napoli in Serie A, where fellow United academy product Scott McTominay has thrived since joining in 2024.

Speaking in September, Amorim defended his decision to continually leave Mainoo out of his team: “I understand what you are saying. You love Kobbie… But that doesn’t mean I need to put Kobbie [in] when I feel that I shouldn’t put Kobbie [in], so it’s my decision.”

Livre no mercado, Marcelo Grohe entra na mira de clubes do Brasil e da Arábia Saudita

MatériaMais Notícias

Com o fim de sua passagem pelo Al-Ittihad, o goleiro Marcelo Grohe é alvo de interesse de clubes do Brasil e da Arábia Saudita. No entanto, o atleta não tem pressa para definir o futuro.

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A continuidade no país do Oriente Médio é vista com dificuldade caso seja para uma das equipes que pertença a Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Apenas Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al-Ittihad e Al Ahli são beneficiados com investimento público estatal.

Caso venha para o Brasil, Marcelo Grohe só poderá atuar oficialmente a partir do dia 10 de julho por conta do período da janela de transferências. O caso do goleiro se assemelha aos exemplos de Thiago Silva e Felipe Anderson, que sairão da Europa para Fluminense e Palmeiras, respectivamente.

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Aos 37 anos, Marcelo Grohe possui uma longa história com o Grêmio, onde atuou por 15 anos entre 2004 e 2019. O atleta foi eleito por três anos como melhor goleiro do Campeonato Saudita, além de ter sido campeão nacional e da Supercopa Saudita em 2022/2023.

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Tottenham have decided to sell player after behind-the-scenes incident

Tottenham are ready to offload a member of Thomas Frank’s squad in January following a behind-the-scenes incident, according to a new report.

Players who could leave Spurs in January

Spurs are poised for an intriguing January transfer window, and not just in terms of incomings.

Among the few players who could leave next month, Mathys Tel has emerged as a credible candidate for the exit door with Roma named as an interested suitor.

The 20-year-old, signed permanently from Bayern Munich for £30 million last summer, has reportedly expressed unhappiness with his limited opportunities at Spurs — managing just 409 minutes across 14 total appearances this season.

His exclusion from the Champions League squad earlier this term signaled his peripheral status under Frank, and a temporary switch to Serie A is probable even if Tel has since been recalled to the European fold to replace Dominic Solanke.

Richarlison’s long-term future also remains uncertain despite scoring seven goals so far this term, including two goal of the season contenders against Burnley and Arsenal respectively.

Tottenham handed pitiful Solanke injury update with new timeline shared

The Englishman hasn’t featured since Man City in August.

ByEmilio Galantini 4 days ago

Tottenham are preparing to receive offers from Brazil, Saudi Arabia and potentially Everton — his former club where he enjoyed considerably greater success.

However, media sources indicate Spurs will reject loan proposals and only entertain a permanent sale.

The Brazilian’s inconsistency throughout his Tottenham career, just 39 goal contributions since joining in 2022 for £60 million, has frustrated sections of supporters.

With his contract expiring in 2027, January represents Tottenham’s optimal window to recoup a reasonable fee before his value diminishes.

Frank apparently views Richarlison as an ‘expendable’ member of his squad, even if he selects the 28-year-old regularly, with Solanke and Kolo Muani likely to be his first choices once the former at last returns to full fitness.

There is also the matter of Yves Bissouma, who’s already fallen foul with Frank after disciplinary issues and is yet to make a single competitive appearance under the Dane’s tutelage.

The Mali international has suffered injuries this campaign which have limited his availability, but according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Spurs have seen enough.

Tottenham decide to sell Yves Bissouma in January

Recent footage emerged showing the 29-year-old midfielder allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide in early November, despite being sidelined through injury at the time.

This marks the second such incident involving Bissouma, who was previously suspended by the club in August after similar footage surfaced.

The midfielder issued a public apology then, acknowledging a “severe lack of judgment” and recognizing the health risks involved, but his latest alleged breach has now exhausted the club’s patience.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s visit of Slavia Prague in the Champions League, Frank said: “It’s an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it.”

Now, Crook reports that Tottenham are ready to sell Bissouma in January following this incident, which has effectively sealed his fate in north London.

Bissouma earns over £55,000-per-week, but has now become completely surplus to requirements under Frank.

The former Brighton star, who played a key role in Spurs’ Europa League final win last term, was excluded from Tottenham’s 22-man Champions League squad and subsequently underwent ankle surgery in October.

Tottenham Hotspur's YvesBissoumareacts after being substituted

Bissouma’s contract expires at the end of the season, but Tottenham do hold an option to extend it by another year, according to The Mail.

As per talkSPORT again, Galatasaray remain interested in securing his signature after a proposed summer transfer collapsed. The Turkish champions nearly signed Bissouma before the deal fell through, and they are prepared to revive their pursuit next year.

Khawaja out of Brisbane Test after failing to recover from back spasms

He will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation and has not been replaced in the squad

Andrew McGlashan02-Dec-20250:46

McGlashan: An unfortunate end if Khawaja’s Test career is over

Usman Khawaja’s international future is in doubt after he was ruled out of the second Test at the Gabba after failing to recover from the back spasms that he suffered in the opening match in Perth.Khawaja had batted for the first time since the injury on Tuesday during a 30-minute net session but did not come through it with a clean bill of health to be able available for selection. It will be the first Test he has missed since his return in early 2022.Related

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“Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation,” a statement said. “He has not been replaced in the squad.”The third Test begins in Adelaide on December 17 which gives Khawaja two weeks to recover although there will be questions over whether he can regain his place.Khawaja’s form was under scrutiny heading into the series – he is now averaging 31.84 since the end of the 2023 Ashes with one century in 45 innings – and coupled with the way Travis Head threw down the gauntlet as an opener and his public statements about being keen for the role, it had sparked a debate about whether now was the time to draw an end to Khawaja’s Test career.His absence opens the door for Head to continue the opening role he took on in the second innings in Perth where he carved his way to 123 off 83 balls although there are other potential routes Australia could take.Since Perth, Head has spoken about being willing to take on the role on a more permanent basis but there remains an ongoing debate about his value at No. 5. Coach Andrew McDonald has also floated the notion of flexible batting orders within a Test.Usman Khawaja was ruled out of the second Test•AFP/Getty Images”I’m not sure about the middle-order part, but I’d probably expect Trav to open,” Scott Boland said. “It’s hard because obviously he’s put in a lot of work since the last game to try and get his body right but he hasn’t come up unfortunately. I thought he looked pretty good in the nets but he must’ve thought himself that he wasn’t ready to go.”Josh Inglis and Beau Webster are the spare batting options in the squad. Inglis, who made a century on Test debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year, scored a hundred against England Lions last week. Webster was unlucky to miss out on the XI in Perth having made four half-centuries in his first seven Tests alongside contributing handy wickets.Boland added losing Khawaja wasn’t ideal but was confident Australia would be able to adjust as they did in the first Test.”I guess it does [upset the balance of the team] a little bit because we probably planned to have Uzzie there the whole time,” he said. “But I think the best thing about our team over the last few years is that when someone has come out due to form or an injury or something like that, someone’s always stood up and done their job.”Trav did that last week and even without Pat [Cummins] and Josh [Hazlewood], some bowlers have come in and done a good job. We’ve obviously got huge depth in our squad and we can replace anyone if we need to.”If Head does take Khawaja’s role again and makes a success of it, and whoever comes into the XI performs well, it may be tough for Khawaja to return.Khawaja initially suffered back spasms on the opening day at Perth Stadium. England collapsed so quickly on the first afternoon that Khawaja was unable to open due to the time he’d spent off the field and when he emerged at No. 4 could only make 2 before gloving a short ball from Brydon Carse.On the second day Khawaja took his place at first slip, taking a catch to remove Harry Brook and then spilling a low edge offered by Jamie Smith. His back went into spasm while leaping for another edge provided by Smith, opening the way for Head’s remarkable century.

Chelsea hold talks with defender’s camp as Moises Caicedo offers thoughts on signing

Chelsea are in conversation with the representatives of a defender as midfielder Moises Caicedo offers his opinion on the potential transfer, according to a new report.

Chelsea play Bournemouth after Leeds United blow

Chelsea travel to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon desperately seeking a response to their shock midweek defeat at Leeds, with Enzo Maresca’s title credentials under scrutiny after a damaging loss that left them nine points adrift of Arsenal.

The Blues suffered a humiliating 3-1 loss at Elland Road on Wednesday, falling two goals behind by halftime before Pedro Neto’s second-half strike proved insufficient.

The defeat represented their second loss to newly-promoted opposition this season, raising fresh doubts about their ability to maintain consistency and challenge Mikel Arteta for the Premier League.

Bournemouth present a challenge despite their own recent struggles.

The Cherries have endured a miserable November without a single victory, collecting just one point from four games while conceding 12 goals.

Tuesday’s narrow 1-0 home defeat to Everton extended their winless streak to five matches and marked their first loss at the Vitality Stadium all campaign.

Andoni Iraola’s side have plummeted from second to 14th during this barren spell, though they remain only five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with significant room for optimism.

The hosts have collected 14 of their 19 Premier League points on home soil this season, establishing the Vitality as a fortress until Everton’s breakthrough.

Chelsea arrive as clear favourites based on superior stats and historical dominance, having won 15 of 23 meetings between the two clubs.

However, the visitors face selection headaches, with Caicedo still serving his suspension after picking up five yellow cards.

The Ecuadorian’s absence is a significant blow given his pivotal role protecting the defence, and Caicedo’s presence was sorely missed against Leeds.

Fabrizio Romano says 24-year-old has now played his last game for Chelsea

He doesn’t have a future in west London.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 4, 2025

Chelsea boast the division’s best away attacking record with 15 goals in seven games, averaging over two goals per match. Yet, their vulnerability without Caicedo was exposed ruthlessly by Leeds, with the midfield lacking its usual protection.

While the £150,000-per-week star continues to sit out, he’s at least making himself useful in other ways.

Chelsea hold talks with Joel Ordonez as Moises Caicedo offers opinion

That is according to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, who report on Chelsea’s serious interest in Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.

Chelsea have renewed contact with Ordonez’s representatives in recent weeks as they intensify their pursuit of the 21-year-old, with Caicedo also offering behind-the-scenes ‘thoughts’ about his former Independiente del Valle teammate.

The west Londoners are said to have tracked him since before his 2023 move to Belgium, maintaining long-standing interest in the player.

Caicedo and Ordonez developed their friendship during their time together at Independiente’s famed South American academy, and have remained close through international duty.

The Chelsea midfielder now appears to be playing agent, giving his verdict on Ordonez to the club’s hierarchy.

Liverpool represent significant competition for Ordonez’s signature, though.

Arne Slot’s side have monitored him closely over the past year as they desperately seek solutions to their defensive crisis. The Reds initially prioritised Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but understand he will not depart Selhurst Park during January, forcing them to explore alternative options.

Crucially, both Club Brugge and Ordonez himself are open to a winter transfer, with England emerging as the most likely destination.

Fresh discussions between the player’s camp and Chelsea have taken place recently, building on months of established communication channels, but Man City and Tottenham are also keen.

City and Spurs have shown admiration for Ordonez, closely assessing him in recent weeks as they evaluate their own defensive requirements.

However, Chelsea and Liverpool currently lead the race after laying more groundwork, and perhaps Caicedo’s presence could prove key here in the race for Ordonez’s signature.

Wood: England 'hit hard' but still have four games to 'throw some back'

Fast bowler says Perth defeat is “going to hurt and it should hurt for a few days”

Vithushan Ehantharajah24-Nov-20252:51

Ehantharajah: This defeat will hurt for England

Mark Wood has called on England to rouse themselves from the canvas and “throw some back” at Australia in the next four rounds of this Ashes campaign.Travis Head’s haymakers confirmed a two-day defeat at the Optus Stadium, but England’s batters were culpable for letting Australia off the ropes, having led by 105 with nine second-innings wickets in hand. Head’s 123 takedown evoked Mike Tyson’s observation that “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face”, as an attack who were relentless in their aggression and accuracy in the first innings were rocked comprehensively in the second.Out and about ahead of the match, England’s players kept a low profile on Sunday. Many stayed in their hotels rooms, as much to come to terms with the chastening defeat as avoid a city teeming with buoyant Aussies and demoralised English punters wondering to do with their spare days. While there is more introspection to come, Wood, whose 38th Test cap was his first competitive appearance in close to nine months after knee surgery in March, has urged the team to come out fighting.Related

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“We know this is one of five,” Wood told Stuart Broad on the For The Love Of Cricket podcast. “There has to be reflection of what went on, understand the disappointment but also know we did some good things in this game.”Can we take them into the other four games? This is not one, it’s one of five. We’ve been hit pretty hard in round one, but we’ve got other rounds to try and throw some back.”With the second Test at the Gabba still 10 days away, Wood admitted he looked into driving from Perth to Brisbane – a coast-to-coast journey that takes over four days. He even explored hiring a camper van, before being convinced otherwise. “I did speak to a local who said if you go across the country, that’s a big danger. So you’d have to drive around the coast. But I did look at it.”Instead, the 35-year-old will take a less-fancied flight with the majority of the Ashes squad on Wednesday. Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts are the only three who will drop into the Prime Minister’s XI match for the Lions, leaving for Canberra on Tuesday. The onus has been on keeping the group together until the “shellshock” wears off.Mark Wood grimaces as Australia fly out of the traps•Getty Images

“When you have a loss like that, you want to stick together” Wood said. “I think that’s really important. Emotions will be raw for everyone at home, when you get close and start believing in the team and have that letdown feeling. There’s nothing I can say on a podcast that will make people think, ‘oh they’ve solved it, I feel better now’. It’s going to hurt and it should hurt for a few days, the players feel that as well.”It is difficult but what can you do? We’re stuck here, it’s not as though we can get up and leave for Brisbane. If I could drive across the country I probably would just to keep my mind going but we’re stuck here.”That Wood bowled just 11 overs in the match – fast throughout, striking batters, including Cameron Green on the grille, but finishing wicketless for 44 – suggests he should be good to go again for the day-night Test. He played one of two pink-ball games on the previous Ashes tour, starring in the final match at Hobart with 6 for 37 in the second innings and nine in the match.Indeed, the whole attack could be rolled out again. Despite getting bossed by Head in the second innings, there was plenty of encouragement in the first – snuffing the hosts out for 132 for what should have been a match-defining 40-run lead – to suggest an all-pace attack can get the job done on Australian pitches, whatever colour the ball.”I definitely feel we’ve got 20 wickets, certainly. The team has been designed to take 20 wickets in these conditions,” Wood said.”[Brydon] Carse bowled beautifully this game, ran in all the time. He made things happen, he was constantly at people. Gus [Atkinson] didn’t get any wickets but he nibbled it around and beat the bat a lot. Jofra [Archer], I thought we saw the best of him, especially that opening spell.”As a group we can take a lot of confidence from that game. Being a day-night Test, we know around night time it can zip around. If it can zip around at pace that can make it doubly difficult.”Australia will have confidence from that win. I know it’s only one guy who’s played particularly well but as a group that will give them a lift, winning that type of game. Their batters will be more confident – can one of them play an innings like that? It’s up to us to fight fire with fire, come back in and try to knock them over again.”

منتخب مصر تحت 16 عامّا يفوز على اليابان بركلات الترجيح وديًا

فاز منتخب مصر تحت 16 عاماً، على نظيره اليابان 4-3 بركلات الترجيح، وذلك في المباراة الودية، التي أقيمت اليوم بمركز المنتخبات الوطنية، في إطار استعدادات المنتخب الوطني للتصفيات المؤهلة لأمم أفريقيا للناشئين.

وانتهى الوقت الأصلي من عمر المباراة الودية بالتعادل السلبي، ليحتكم المنتخبان لركلات الترجيح، بناء على الاتفاق بين الجهاز الفني للفريقين وحسمها منتخبنا الوطني لصالحه.

طالع.. شوبير: البعض يتمنون الفشل لمنتخب مصر.. وأنتم تعلمون من أقصد

وقدم المنتخب المصري أداءً جيدًا على مدار شوطي اللقاء، وظهر اللاعبون بصورة مميزة من حيث الالتزام والانضباط التكتيكي، في إطار برنامج الإعداد خلال المعسكر الحالي.

وشهد الشوط الثاني عدة تبديلات من الجهاز الفني بقيادة حسين عبد اللطيف، حيث خرج كل من: سيف تامر، محمد جمال، أحمد صفوت، خالد مختار، عمر عبد الرحيم، دانيال تامر، وأحمد بشير، وشارك بدلًا منهم: عبد الله عمر، أحمد أبو غالي، سيف كريم، يحيى شيتوس، أدهم حسيب، زياد سعودي، ويحيى طارق.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي المنتخبان وديًا مرة أخرى يوم الأربعاء المقبل، ضمن برنامج الإعداد للمنتخبين.

حضر المباراة حمادة الشربيني ومصطفي أبو زهرة ومحمد أبو حسين أعضاء مجلس ادارة الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم ، والدكتور مصطفي عزام الأمين العام للاتحاد.

 

BCB drop several players from BPL auction following findings of corruption report

The BCB has dropped several cricketers from the BPL auction, set to take place in Dhaka on November 30, based on the findings of a corruption report into last season’s BPL. An independent inquiry committee was formed following last season’s BPL when several allegations of corruption surfaced.The board, however, didn’t announce the players’ names. These players were removed from the BPL auction based on the report, which is just an observation and hence no charges were made. Neither the BCB nor the inquiry committee announced any formal allegations against the players.After receiving the report from the three-member committee, the BCB formed an integrity unit, of which Alex Marshall was appointed independent chair.”In preparing for BPL season 12, the governing council received advice from the independent chair of the integrity unit on steps necessary to further safeguard the league. Based on that advice, a number of individuals, including some players, have not been invited to participate in this year’s tournament,” a BCB statement said on November 29.The BCB said the restriction on these cricketers only applies to the BPL. “This is a BPL-specific measure taken to ensure fairness of the investigation process and to protect the integrity of the league. It does not apply to other domestic cricket events conducted under the jurisdiction of the BCB.”

'It was completely unnecessary' – Borussia Dortmund coach responds to Nico Schlotterbeck's scathing criticism of Champions League slip against Bodo/Glimt

Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac has publicly backed Nico Schlotterbeck after the defender launched a scathing attack on his teammates following their disappointing Champions League draw against Bodo/Glimt. The manager admitted the collapse was "completely unnecessary" and insisted the centre-back had every right to voice his frustration.

Kovac backs 'leader' Schlotterbeck

Dortmund are currently licking their wounds after a chaotic night in the Champions League saw them surrender a commanding position to draw 2-2 with Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. The fallout from the result was immediate, with defender Schlotterbeck giving a furious post-match interview in which he tore into the team's collective mentality. However, rather than reprimanding his player for airing the club's dirty laundry in public, manager Kovac has moved quickly to endorse the 26-year-old’s assessment.

Speaking at his press conference on Thursday ahead of Dortmund's return to Bundesliga action, Kovac addressed the controversy with a sense of calm authority. He confirmed he had read Schlotterbeck's comments and found no fault in them, praising the defender for showing the leadership qualities required at the highest level.

"I understand Schlotti's frustration," Kovac told reporters with a wry smile. "As a leading player, he certainly has the right to address certain things. That he, as a leader, is annoyed about the behaviour on the pitch is completely normal."

Kovac went on to echo Schlotterbeck’s tactical analysis, agreeing that the team have only themselves to blame for dropping points against an opponent they were expected to beat comfortably at home. "Now I have read [the comments] myself," the coach added. "We have left a huge opportunity behind. That was completely unnecessary. We had the game under control and then we gave it away."

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Extremely sloppy' and 'arrogant'

The backing from the manager comes after Schlotterbeck offered a brutally honest appraisal of Dortmund's performance immediately after the final whistle on Wednesday. The German international, who had put in a solid shift defensively, was visibly agitated by the manner in which the team allowed Bodo/Glimt back into the contest in the dying stages.

In quotes that quickly circulated across German media, Schlotterbeck accused the side of "arrogance" and criticised the impact of the substitutes who entered the fray.

"After the 1-0, we started playing extremely sloppy and having incredibly bad first touches," Schlotterbeck said. "Everyone plays their own game a little bit. It is not bitter, it is actually really bad."

He added: "The players who come on lose every ball. If you come on in the 60th minute, I expect 30 minutes of full steam. We combined a bit right and left, chipping in front of the goalkeeper and wanting to make it look nice, but you have to kill the game and we didn't do that."

Inconsistency plagues Dortmund's season

The incident highlights a recurring theme for Dortmund this season: inconsistency. Under Kovac, the team have shown flashes of brilliance, looking capable of challenging the likes of Bayern Munich, only to follow up dominant displays with baffling lapses in concentration like the one witnessed against the Norwegians.

The draw leaves Dortmund in a precarious position in the Champions League table. While they remain on course to reach the knockout rounds, they are lingering outside the top eight, which would secure a place in the round of 16. Otherwise, they will be forced to navigate a two-legged play-off in February.

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Getty Images SportBack to the Bundesliga for Dortmund

Dortmund must now regroup quickly as they turn their attention back to the Bundesliga. The team have no time to dwell on the "unnecessary" midweek error, with a Bundesliga fixture against Freiburg on the horizon this weekend. They currently sit third in the table and nine points behind leaders Bayern Munich, while RB Leipzig sit a point ahead of Kovac's side in second place.

In the Champions League, they are 10th and will return to action in the European competition in January when they face Tottenham and Inter.

Tottenham outcast Yves Bissouma apologises for nitrous oxide use as he reveals depression after terrifying home raid

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma has apologised after he was spotted using nitrous oxide for a second time during his spell with the north London club. The Mali international explained that he has been suffering mentally following a number of thefts at his home in which countless items were stolen, leaving him feeling broken, paranoid, and depressed.

  • Bissouma in hot water

    Bissouma is yet to feature in a competitive fixture for Spurs this season, having been excluded due to repeated lateness and then suffering with injury for much of the campaign. The former Brighton star was filmed inhaling laughing gas for a second time in just over a year last month and is facing disciplinary action from the club following this latest behavioural breach.

    Following last year’s incident, Spurs handed the player a one-match ban, but there is little to suggest they will be as lenient a second time. It has been reported that the Malian has been transfer listed by the club who are determined to offload the 29-year-old after yet another off-field incident.

    Possession of nitrous oxide – a class C drug – for recreational use has been illegal in the UK since 2023 with criminal penalties potentially including up to a two-year prison sentence. On the second incident, Bissouma’s boss Thomas Frank said: "It's an internal matter we are dealing with at the moment, and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it.”

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    Bissouma apologises to fans

    Speaking to the , Bissouma has offered an apology to Spurs fans, insisting that it is "not who I am".

    The midfielder explained that he has been suffering from mental health difficulties following a series of burglaries at his home. Bissouma has had his house raided on three occasions, with masked thieves hammering down his front door on the most serious occasion. He adds that a friend of his also has taken £1million off him, a total he is still trying to recoup.

    "I am sorry. This incident broke something in me I didn’t even know I could break," he said. "I apologise to the fans. The trauma added to my life — fear, panic, depression and paranoia."

    Bissouma said that he is a strong person and, "I hate feeling like a victim, but what I lost wasn’t just material. It was what the trauma added to my life — fear, panic, depression, paranoia, sleepless nights, and a constant loss of trust."

  • Trauma takes its toll on Bissouma

    In the same interview, Bissouma continued to share just how impacted he has been by these robberies. He said that his mental health is not an excuse for taking the nitrous oxide, but "I hope people can maybe understand me a bit more because of this."

    He shared that he was too scared to sleep at his own home in fear of being present amid another robbery and so would sometimes sleep at Spurs’ training ground.

    "For like three, four, sometimes five days, I was sleeping there because I did not want to be at home. Even talking about this is hard. All these things were going on in my head, worrying about my dad who is not well, and sometimes I think as a human, it’s a bit hard," Bissouma said.

    The midfielder spoke with a therapist as many as five times a week to help cope with the trauma and depression he was feeling. Bissouma has also not given up hope of playing for Spurs again. "I want to move on from my mistakes. I like playing for ­Tottenham. I’m just thinking about being fit again and ­trying to enjoy football," he added.

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    Spurs and Bissouma at crossroads

    It remains to be seen if Bissouma can regain the trust of Frank or whether his time in north London will come to a close in the next transfer window. Fenerbahce had been interested in signing the Spurs man in the summer, but pulled the plug late in the window. The Turkish giants had decided against signing Bissouma after he picked up an injury, but could return in January to take him to Istanbul.

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