Le Portel is experiencing a nightmare season in Betclic ELITE. Still without a victory recorded at the end of the first leg – its only success on the field having been withdrawn, for the moment – the ESSM must also deal with a full infirmary. The northern club is seeking to strengthen itself, but each avenue is hampered by a very harsh economic reality.
A decimated domestic sector
The situation is particularly critical inside. The starting pivot Mathieu Boyer (2.05 m, 30 years old) is injured in his right wrist and could go through surgery again, after a first intervention last summer on his left wrist. His unavailability could stretch until the spring, leaving a gaping void in the Porteloise racket.
In his absence, Tyshaun Crawford (2.15 m, 26 years old) takes over. The American interior posted 5 points and 4.1 rebounds in Betclic ELITE, with more consistent statistics in the Coupe de France. Internally, however, the club would not be opposed to the idea of replacing him, provided they find an equivalent profile… within the same budget envelope.
PLAYER PROFILE
Post(s): Pivot
Size: 215 cm
Age: 26 ans (10/08/1999)
Nationalities:
Stats 2025-2026 / Betclic ELITE
A market locked by financial constraints
This is where the problem lies. Between the costs linked to possible foreign recruitment – visa, FFBB qualification, return plane ticket, accommodation – and the lack of financial margin, Le Portel has not moved for the moment. Each option is weighed, dissected, sometimes abandoned before even entering into negotiations.
According to The Voice of the Norththe club is working on a medical reinforcement at the pivot position, with the possibility of recruiting a JFL or a Bosman/Cotonou player since four other players already have extra-community status. Research confirmed by Kenny Grantaware of the emergency but also of the current limits of its workforce.
Konaté plays in pain
Another sensitive issue, that of Lahaou Konaté (1.98 m, 34 years old). The Portelois winger has been suffering from severe back pain for more than a month and a half. Despite significant playing time, the situation is not considered sustainable by the staff.
“I have been in total suffering for more than a month and a half (…) When my health is not 100%, there is inevitably a lot of frustration”confided the veteran in the columns of The Voice of the North. A statement that illustrates the state of physical and mental tension in which the ESSM finds itself.
PLAYER PROFILE
Post(s): Back / Winger
Size: 198 cm
Age: 34 ans (17/11/1991)
Stats 2025-2026 / Betclic ELITE
A merciless schedule approaching
Without immediate reinforcement, Le Portel is preparing to play three extremely tough matches against the EuroLeague armadas: a trip to ASVEL, the reception of Paris Basketball then a trip to Monaco. A sequence which could weigh heavily in the race to maintain itself, while the ESSM already has its back against the wall.
Due to a lack of budget and obvious solutions on 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.
