The former Lille midfielder reportedly catches the eye of teams across Europe
Brighton manager Graham Potter has dismissed reports suggesting that Manchester United and Real Madrid have joined the club for Yves Bissoum.
International Mali proved to be a great signing for Brighton, who secured their services from Lille in 2018, and reports claim that United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid are interested in the 24-year-old midfielder.
Potter is aware of the rumors, but says reports of any approach are widespread and should be treated with caution.
“There was no access. As I said before, just because it’s in the paper doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true,” Potter said.
Potter believes Bissouma has the ability to take his game to new heights and wants to help the midfielder reach his potential.
“My focus on Yves is how I can help him improve and I think he’s still waiting for it,” Potter said. “It’s my focus on him, to help him reach his full potential.
“There’s still work to be done, so we’re focused on that.”
When reports of Real Madrid’s interest surfaced, Potter said he was not swayed by the possibility of losing any player.
“I’ve never been a coach worried about losing a player,” he said. “If you’re worried about losing players from teams on a higher hierarchy – because that’s what it is in the end – and the club thinks selling players is the right thing to do, then it’s the result of something good.”
Bissouma put his name on a five-year contract when he joined Brighton in 2018, so the club is not under pressure to cash in on the player.
Caring for Potter is Brighton’s precarious position in the Premier League table.
After 14 games, the Seagulls rank 17th in the table – two points away from relegation.
Burnley got out of the bottom three at the end of four games unbeaten, while Fulham picked up points after a poor start.
If Potter wants to ensure that a club retains talents like Bissouma, they must move away from danger and preserve their status in the Premier League.