Tottenham Hotspur officially parted ways with 12 players on July 1, the first day of the new football season, as the club underwent a major squad overhaul following a narrow escape from relegation. The most high-profile departure is Mali international Yves Bissouma, who joined Spurs from Brighton in 2022 for £30 million but left as a free agent after his contract expired.
Bissouma's Departure Confirmed
The club confirmed Bissouma's exit on social media with a brief statement: "We can confirm the departure of Yves Bissouma following the conclusion of his contract. Thank you for your service and all the best for the future, Biss." Bissouma made 111 appearances for Tottenham but struggled with injuries last season, making only 11 appearances after January 17 due to knee and ankle problems. He was an unused substitute in the final three Premier League matches of the 2025/26 campaign.
Manager De Zerbi's Clear-Out
Robert De Zerbi, Tottenham's third manager of the season, steered the club to 17th place in the Premier League, finishing just two points above the relegation zone. He has wasted no time in reshaping the squad, overseeing the departure of 12 players. Among them is Argentine striker Alejo Veliz, who completed a £7.7 million permanent move to Brazilian side Bahia on July 1 after a season-long loan at Rosario Central.
Ten academy players also left the club: under-21 players Pele Arganese-McDermott, Tyrell Ashcroft, Leo Black, Dante Cassanova, Matthew Craig, and Calum Logan departed after their contracts expired. Four under-18 players—Elijah Upson, Jamel Beggs, Samal Bangura, and Leon Myrtaj—also left, with Upson rejecting a contract offer from the club.
New Signings Arrive
Despite the exodus, Tottenham have been active in the transfer market, securing three free agents: Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson, and Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. The club also confirmed the £52 million acquisition of Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke last month. These moves signal De Zerbi's intent to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
