The Malian was at the centre of widespread speculation regarding his future on the south coast this summer, with several top Premier League sides touted as potential suitors.
The 24-year-old has started this season brightly too, and Hendrie is adamant that Albion have to retain his services for as long as possible.
Asked whether Brighton can afford to sell Bissouma during an appearance on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, he said: “Definitely not.
“He was the outstanding player for me last season, stood out a million miles.
“I’m actually surprised he’s still there based on what he offers to Brighton. He was outstanding.
"One thing I do like about him, when he’s playing in that defensive midfield role, he doesn’t just offer the tackles and the energy. He gets high up the pitch at times, he’s got great ability to play forward and put his team on the counter-attack.
"I don’t want to discredit Brighton because they are a very good side, but if he was at any of the top four sides, he’d be a standout player. He is top class for me, and I’m so surprised that he’s still in a blue and white shirt at this moment in time.
"I’m pretty sure that Graham Potter will be hoping he can keep hold of him.
"I think that they’ll have a good season. I'm not surprised that they’ve got off to the start they have. But he is a key factor in Brighton’s side, and what he offers in transition and breaking things down.”
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League speculation below…
![Southampton are already plotting a move to sign West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone for free at the end of the season. (The Athletic)
(Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjY5NmNlN2E4LTFkN2YtNDg1MC1iYWI1LTQ4NDU1NjcyNjYyZTo1YzNkNTRhNC05ZTQ5LTQwZDUtYTQzZi1kNTYyMzJlOTQ5OGY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
1. Saints want Johnstone
Southampton are already plotting a move to sign West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone for free at the end of the season. (The Athletic) (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) Photo: Lewis Storey
![Istanbul Basaksehir want to sign Everton outcast James Rodriguez before the Turkish transfer window closes on September 8th. (Foot Mercato)
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmRlMDQ5NzAyLWZmNmMtNDM2Mi04YzM2LTc4OTBiNjdmMThmNDoyM2E4YzMyZS0zNDQ5LTRiNzYtYmZkOS1jMjkxOGEyMTUxNWQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
2. Rodriguez in demand
Istanbul Basaksehir want to sign Everton outcast James Rodriguez before the Turkish transfer window closes on September 8th. (Foot Mercato) (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Photo: Justin Setterfield
![Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien is set to sign a new contract with the Terriers after seeing his move to Leeds United fall through. (The Sun)
(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmUyNjIwNDgyLTVhZGQtNDZkMC1hZDA5LWFhN2EzMTQyZmI2YzowZTg5ZjUwZi00NDgwLTQ2NzktOTcyZC1jODM2YTA2YmQ5NjM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
3. O'Brien set for new deal
Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien is set to sign a new contract with the Terriers after seeing his move to Leeds United fall through. (The Sun) (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
![Sweden international Jens Cajuste believes he would have had ‘fantastic fun’ in the Premier League after missing out on a move to Leeds United, Wolves or Newcastle. (Fotbollskanalen)
(Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmY0ZmJmMjc2LTBjNjItNGQ4Ni05NTE1LTUzZWI1ZjhkYWRhNDozN2Q4M2EwOS1kOGNjLTQyMzctYWY3My0yZGZkMGYwMWM1MWI=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
4. Cajuste speaks out
Sweden international Jens Cajuste believes he would have had ‘fantastic fun’ in the Premier League after missing out on a move to Leeds United, Wolves or Newcastle. (Fotbollskanalen) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: PAUL ELLIS