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

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