Le Mans push Edwin Quarshie out after Ligue 1 promotion success

Le Mans have told 30-year-old Edwin Quarshie to find a new club despite the Ghanaian midfielder’s major contribution to their rise to Ligue 1. The club sit seventh in the 2026 Ligue 1 table with one point from one match, after a 2-2 draw, and are due to visit Rennes on August 30.

Quarshie was Le Mans’ captain from the start of the 2024/25 season and played a central part in successive promotions from the National league to Ligue 2 and then Ligue 1. His importance was reflected last season, when he made 37 appearances, more than any other midfielder at the club, and accumulated 2,371 minutes.

His standing changed after Le Mans completed their promotion and reshaped the squad for life in France’s top division. On his return to pre-season training, despite wearing the captain’s armband, Quarshie was told that he had fallen to eighth in the midfield pecking order, ahead of only 22-year-old Martin Rossignol.

The midfielder is entering the final year of his contract. A possible one-season extension tied to his number of Ligue 1 appearances had been discussed, while coach Patrick Videira had previously indicated that Quarshie would form part of his plans for the new campaign. That position changed after the squad overhaul.

Quarshie has chosen to continue competing for his place rather than accept the approaches made from abroad, including interest from Turkey. He was left out of the squad for Le Mans’ opening Ligue 1 game against Brest, and Videira subsequently told him to seek a different project where he could continue playing.

The club’s recent results include wins over Nantes, Versailles and Bastia, a defeat by La Roche VF and a draw against Reims. Le Mans therefore begin their next fixture from seventh place, but Quarshie’s immediate future remains unresolved as the transfer window nears its close. He could stay for the final year of his deal, although his reduced status threatens to limit his playing opportunities.