Liverpool join Newcastle in transfer race for Malian midfielder

The Reds are planning to make a summer bid for Yves Bissouma amid interest from several Premier League clubs.

Since his £15m transfer from Lille in 2018, Yves Bissouma has developed into a crucial player in Brighton‘s squad. Having made more than 100 appearances for the Seagulls, the Mali international has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.

Newcastle were keen to add Bissouma to their ranks in the winter transfer window. However, they failed to finalize a move, with Brighton reportedly asking £50m for the midfielder.

As Bissouma maintains his brilliant form, more clubs are showing interest in signing him next summer. According to Daily Mirror, both Liverpool and Tottenham have joined the transfer race for Bissouma.

However, the English outlet claims Newcastle are still leading the transfer race for the Malian midfielder. Aston Villa and Liverpool were Bissouma’s main suitors last year, but Newcastle’s Saudi takeover has changed the situation in their favour.

In an interview on Friday, Brighton manager Graham Potter admitted it would be difficult for his side to keep the in-demand star.

He said: “Yves is really enjoying his football with us and we’ve had lots of speculation over various windows and he’s still here with us.

“But you also have to understand, the club and him face a point where you’ve got a decision to make – if there is Champions League interest as an example, as a club how do you compete with that?

“How do you compete financially? and how can you stop the player taking that opportunity up? It’s very difficult.”