Kolo Muani, Yoro, Areola, Diakité, Boscagli, Meslier, Todibo, Frenchmen finding it tough in England

L'Équipe notes a sizeable French cohort in the Premier League , 37 having featured this season. Yet several internationals and prospects are enduring lean spells, with only 2001-2002 and 2003-2004 higher at 39 and 45.

At Tottenham, Randal Kolo Muani has three Champions League goals but none in the league across 18 appearances. Used more as a substitute in 2026 under Thomas Frank, he has welcomed Igor Tudor’s arrival.

Since Michael Carrick’s 13 January arrival, Leny Yoro has not started for Manchester United , with only brief cameos against Fulham and at West Ham.

Alphonse Areola was unsettled when West Ham signed Mads Hermansen for €20.8m last summer. Under contract to 2027, he started as back-up, won the shirt in autumn, then lost it again in early February.

Bafodé Diakité was taken off at half-time in Bournemouth’s late-December defeat at Brentford and has not started in the league since. Signed for €40m including add-ons, the ex-Lille defender has had a tough start to 2026.

At Brighton, Olivier Boscagli , 28, signed until 2030, has been unused in 19 league matches.

Illan Meslier, first-choice at Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020 and pre-selected for France in 2023, lost his place to Karl Darlow in April 2025 before Lucas Perri arrived in July.

Jean-Clair Todibo’s last France call-up dates to November 2023. Since joining West Ham from Nice in August 2024, he has struggled with muscle issues, winning 46% of aerial duels, and has at times clashed with coaches.

Source: L'Équipe