Ligue 1 has been a regular market for Premier League clubs to sign talent and there are several stars being heavily linked with transfers to England this summer.
We’ve profiled five Ligue 1 players who are on the radar of Premier League teams.
Jonathan David (Lille)
Jonathan David’s future is yet to be resolved despite the Canadian being arguably the most attractive free agent still on the market. David has decided to leave Lille after a prolific period in France and is available on a free transfer.
Napoli had looked set to win the race but have appeared to cool their interest. It has opened the door for rival suitors. David has excellent ball retention and intelligent movement, alongside a goal record of 109 in 232 appearances for Lille.
Jonathan David? UNSTOPPABLE. 🇨🇦🔥 pic.twitter.com/GXsAH9gXn9
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 21, 2025
He’s netted 25+ in each of the last three seasons, including seven in 10 Champions League appearances in 2024/25. Given the number of clubs in search of a forward, he’s unlikely to be short of options.
Evann Guessand (Nice)
Leeds United, Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with interest in Guessand who offers an interesting profile to English clubs.
Guessand’s form exploded after moving from a centre-forward position to a right-sided role, where he scored 12 times and provided eight assists for Nice last season.
Just five players were directly involved in more Ligue 1 goals than the Ivorian, who was also the second-most fouled player in the division.
At just 23, Guessand has room to grow further. A move to England could be the next step in his development.
Charlie Cresswell (Toulouse)
Charlie Cresswell is currently with the England u-21 side at the European Championship, where the centre-back has helped the Young Lions into the semi-finals.
He’s played every minute of the campaign for Lee Carley’s side, following an impressive season with Toulouse.
Charlie Cresswell ranks 2nd for most duels won at Euro U-21:
⚔️ 41 total duels
✅ 27 duels won
📈 66% success rate
One of the tournament’s heroes for England. 🏴🔥 pic.twitter.com/U9ynD5aEuR
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) June 22, 2025
He made 31 league appearances for the French side and ranked second in Ligue 1 for aerial duels won and fourth for clearances.
Alexsandro Ribeiro (Lille)
Another centre-back catching the eye in Ligue 1 is Alexsandro Ribeiro.
The Brazilian’s form saw him earn a senior international debut this month, becoming the first Lille player to represent the South American nation. Since joining Lille from Portuguse second-tier side Chaves in 2022, the 25-year-old has grown in stature.
Alexsandro Ribeiro. Um SENHOR zagueiro. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/yKEkZcfa7K
— Ligue 1 Português (@Ligue1_POR) June 11, 2025
Last season he was among Ligue 1’s top players for clearances (6th), aerial duels won (6th) and percentage of aerial duels won (6th), though it’s his ability on the ball that caught the eye.
No player carried the ball progressively in possession further than Alexsandro last season, while just three players played more passes into the final third. He could follow compatriot Gabriel in leaving Lille for the Premier League.
Malick Fofana (Lyon)
Malick Fofana’s breakthrough at Lyon has caught the eye of recruiters.
The 20-year-old scored 11 goals in a coming-of-age campaign, while ranking among the most progressive ball-carriers in Europe. His average of 6.72 progressive carries per 90 rank Fofana in the top two percent of wingers across Europe’s top five leagues.
Malick Fofana scored 6 #UEL goals last season from an xG of 3.03, the biggest xG overperformance in the competiton (+2.97). 📈 pic.twitter.com/AXpuVmOvA6
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) June 17, 2025
Liverpool and Chelsea have checked in on the Belgian, who made his international debut in 2024.
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