Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has discussed Yves Bissouma and a potential move to Aston Villa in the January transfer window.
Steven Gerrard’s men have been busy during the opening weeks of the January window. Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne have both come through the doors at Villa Park, with goalkeeper Robin Olsen has also recently joined the club on a loan deal.
They look set to carry on their spending, and according to some recent reports, they have turned their attention to 25-year-old Brighton midfielder Bissouma to bolster their midfield options.
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ The Transfer Show about a possible deal, Sheth revealed that they would face a fight in order to sign him, as he detailed how Brighton boss Graham Potter would be very hesitant to let him leave the club this window.
Sheth said: “They remain interested in the Brighton midfielder, Yves Bissouma. I mean, if they were to get a signing like that over the line in addition to the ones they’ve already got, what a window that would be.
“Bissouma, for his part, has got 18 months left on his contract at Brighton, and the Brighton manager Graham Potter has obviously been asked about Yves Bissouma and his future in various news conferences and his line has been the same.
“He expects the squad that he’s got in place at the moment to be in place when the window closes at around midnight on January the 31st. So he expects Yves Bissouma to stay.”
TIF Thoughts on Dharmesh Sheth’s comments about Yves Bissouma and Aston Villa…
Is Bissouma your first choice midfield target?
Yes
No
It does seem like Villa might be facing a losing battle when it comes to Bissouma.
Given how important he is to the Brighton side – ranking in the top five for pass completion and dribbles per game, whilst also leading the team in tackles and interceptions per game (as per WhoScored) – it does seem hard to think that they would be willing to let him go mid-season.
So this might be something for them to focus on in the summer when Brighton might be in a more willing position to let Bissouma leave the club as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal and when they might have to get rid of him instead of losing him for free.
In other news: Philippe Coutinho drops Instagram post after Aston Villa move