Rumour Mongering: Yves Bissouma Wants To Leave Brighton

Barring a huge shock, Gini Wijnaldum will leave Liverpool this summer.

That’s sad for all of us after the great years and memories the Dutchman has given us. But onwards and upwards. The Reds need a new midfielder, and Yves Bissouma has been the name on people’s lips.

You can see why Bissouma appeals. He offers a nice blend of technical quality as well as industry and solidity. He’s also shown a skill at knowing when to scale back his more ambitious passing and dribbling to become a cog in the team, a sign he has the kind of footballing brain Jürgen Klopp craves.

And so it’s reported that he wants out. Duncan Castles (yes, I know) says that Bissouma “has asked to be allowed to leave Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of the season amid interest from a trio of the Premier League’s wealthiest clubs”. He claims Arsenal and Manchester City are also in the hunt, but those clubs haven’t been linked to him as extensively as Liverpool, so it’s not clear what’s real and what isn’t.

Castles is... well, make your mind up. But what does seem likely is Bissouma’s agent is shopping him around. This is someone Liverpool really do seem interested in, and would fit a very clear need in the squad.

Arsenal I wouldn’t worry about too much, but obviously Manchester City would have its appeal. What they wouldn’t offer, in all likelihood, is regular football. Look at Nathan Aké. Liverpool can view him as an essential component of the midfield for years to come, and in that regard, it could make the most sense to move to Anfield.

You know what to do, Yves.