Ligue 1 has been a very popular shopping destination for English clubs for some years. Prices have been more reasonable in France, although that’s changed in more recent windows, and players there often have a desire to move to the Premier League.
But it doesn’t always work out and L’Equipe have had a look at players they feel are ‘languishing’ in English football. The French newspaper point out that over the last two windows, 18 players have returned from England to Ligue 1, trying to give their careers a kickstart.
Some remain and for footballers including Burnley’s Georges-Kevin N’Koudou it’s said to be ‘very complicated’.
N’Koudou moved to Tottenham in the summer 2016 window after a transfer saga with Marseille. Things didn’t go so well at Spurs and at the beginning of January the 22 year old moved to Burnley on loan for the rest of the season.
Sean Dyche obviously wouldn’t have signed the player had he not wanted him, but there’s concern he’s still not getting minutes. N’Koudou has made four substitute appearances for Burnley so far, but the time given has been decreasing: 27 minutes, then 9, 7, and finally just 5 against Swansea City on Saturday.
There’s still plenty of time for things to turn around at Burnley, but less than 50 minutes in his first month isn’t enough to convince doubters in France that N’Koudou could soon be another one to return to Ligue 1.
