Tottenham begins squad overhaul, releases eleven

Tottenham Hotspur have begun a major squad overhaul ahead of the new season, confirming the departure of 11 players whose contracts have expired. 

The list of exits is headlined by midfielder Yves Bissouma, whose four-year spell in north London has come to an end following a difficult 2025-26 campaign.

Bissouma joined Tottenham from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 and went on to make 111 appearances for the club in all competitions. 

Although he scored only twice during his time with Spurs, the Mali international was regarded as an important figure in midfield and played a key role in the team’s successful Europa League campaign, completing the full 90 minutes in the 2025 final victory over Manchester United.

However, his final season at the club was disrupted by injuries, inconsistent performances, and disciplinary concerns. 

Bissouma made just 11 appearances after returning from injury in January, while reports of repeated lateness to training sessions reportedly strained his relationship with the coaching staff.

Under manager Thomas Frank, the midfielder was omitted from Tottenham’s UEFA Super Cup squad against Paris Saint-Germain and later left out of the club’s Champions League squad registration. 

The decision followed previous disciplinary issues, including a suspension handed down by former manager Ange Postecoglou after Bissouma was involved in controversy off the pitch.

The clear-out extends beyond the senior squad, with six players from Tottenham’s Under-21 Development Squad also released. 

Pele Arganese-McDermott, Tyrell Ashcroft, Leo Black, Dante Cassanova, Matthew Craig and Calum Logan will all depart the club. 

Craig leaves as one of the academy’s longest-serving players, having progressed through the youth ranks before making his senior debut in 2023.

Tottenham have also confirmed the departures of Under-18 players Jamel Beggs, Samal Bangura, and Leon Myrtaj, while Elijah Upson has chosen to reject a contract extension and pursue opportunities elsewhere. 

The large-scale restructuring signals the start of a new era as Spurs reshape their squad and academy setup, with the club issuing a statement thanking all departing players and their families for their contributions and wishing them success in the future.