Three months absence for Mathieu Boyer (Le Portel)
Jan 11, 2026
Alexandre Lacoste
Le Portel faces recruitment headache, hampered by injuries and very tight budget
Betclic ELITE - Last in Betclic ELITE, Le Portel is looking to strengthen despite an extremely limited budget. Between injuries to Mathieu Boyer and Lahaou Konaté, and almost no room for maneuver, ESSM is proceeding cautiously in the market.
Photo Credit : ESSM Le Portel
Le Portel is experiencing a nightmarish season in Betclic ELITE. Still without a recorded victory at the end of the first half – their only on-court success having been removed, for now – ESSM must also deal with a full infirmary. The northern club is looking to strengthen, but every opportunity is hindered by a very harsh economic reality.
A decimated frontcourt
The situation is particularly critical inside. Starting center Mathieu Boyer (2.05m, 30 years old) is injured in his right wrist and could undergo surgery again, after a first operation last summer on his left wrist. His unavailability could stretch until spring, leaving a gaping hole in Le Portel’s paint.
In his absence, Tyshaun Crawford (2.15m, 26 years old) provides backup. The American big man is averaging 5 points and 4.1 rebounds in Betclic ELITE, with more consistent statistics in the French Cup. Internally, the club would not be opposed to replacing him, provided they find an equivalent profile… within the same budget envelope.
Tyshaun CRAWFORD
Position(s): Center
Height: 215 cm
Age: 26 years old (08/10/1999)
Nationality:
Stats 2025-2026 / Betclic ELITE
PTS
5
#162
REB
4.1
#51
AST
0.6
#168
A market locked by financial constraints
That’s where the problem lies. Between the costs related to a potential foreign recruitment – visa, FFBB qualification, round-trip plane ticket, accommodation – and the absence of financial margin, Le Portel has not moved so far. Every option is weighed, dissected, sometimes abandoned before even entering negotiation.
According to La Voix du Nord, the club is working on a medical reinforcement at the center position, with the possibility of recruiting a JFL or a Bosman/Cotonou player since four other players already have non-EU status. A search confirmed by Kenny Grant, aware of the urgency but also the current limits of his roster.
Konaté playing through pain
Another sensitive issue is that of Lahaou Konaté (1.98m, 34 years old). The Le Portel forward has been dealing with severe back pain for over a month and a half. Despite significant playing time, the situation is not considered sustainable by the staff.
« I’ve been in complete suffering for over a month and a half (…) When health is not at 100%, there’s inevitably a lot of frustration, » the veteran confided to La Voix du Nord. A statement that illustrates the state of physical and mental tension in which ESSM finds itself.
Lahaou KONATÉ
Position(s): Guard / Forward
Height: 198 cm
Age: 34 years old (11/17/1991)
Nationality:
Stats 2025-2026 / Betclic ELITE
PTS
4.2
#176
REB
2.9
#103
AST
1.3
#109
A merciless schedule approaching
Without immediate reinforcement, Le Portel is about to face three extremely difficult games against EuroLeague powerhouses: a trip to ASVEL, hosting Paris Basketball then a trip to Monaco. A sequence that could weigh heavily in the battle to stay up, as ESSM already has their backs against the wall.
Without budget and obvious solutions in the market, Le Portel is moving slowly. But time is running out, and each week without adjustment brings the club a little closer to a feared outcome.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve est le fondateur et rédacteur en chef de BeBasket, qu’il anime depuis 2010 (sous le nom de Catch & Shoot). Passé par l’Ecole Publique de Journaliste de Tours, puis deux universités en Amérique du Nord, il a pu développer son expertise sur le basket français, de la Ligue Nationale aux divisions amateurs, durant ces 20 dernières années. En parallèle, il est aussi engagé dans le développement de clubs du côté de Montpellier.
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