Matthis Abline
(Credit: Imago)
Alex Charlton
Tue 15 July 2025 9:45, UK
Leeds United still need to strengthen in priority positions as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.
A new goalkeeper is high on the agenda for Daniel Farke after Illan Meslier endured a difficult Championship campaign.
Elsewhere, Leeds have already signed Lucas Nmecha, but could do with another striker to challenge Joel Piroe in the final third.
Nantes forward Matthis Abline is one of several forwards who have been linked with a move to Elland Road, and he could be one to watch in the coming weeks.
Lukas Nmecha Leeds United
Nmecha joined the Whites on a free transfer from VfL Wolfsburg (Credit: Hasan Karim)
Leeds given insight on Abline transfer
The Black Cats and the Peacocks have been locking horns in the transfer market, with Abline another target of Leeds and Sunderland.
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Farke’s side have been chasing a goalscorer, and while Nikola Krstovic and Abline have been pursued, nothing has materialised.
Abline made 34 league appearances for Nantes last season and delivered 11 goal contributions as they finished 13th in Ligue 1.
Matthis Abline’s 2024/25 Ligue 1 statistics Total
Apperances 34
Goals 9
Expected goals (xG) 8.10
Shot conversion 12%
Assists 2
Big chances created 6
Abline was a regular fixture in Ligue 1 (Sofascore)
While Sunderland reportedly had a £17million bid rejected for the 22-year-old, there has been an update on the player’s situation.
Nantes have touted Marseille just over £43million for Abline, according to Mackem News (15 July).
French football expert Luke Entwistle shared that while the Ligue 1 outfit does not need to sell, he does not believe the Frenchman would cost that figure.
“They touted £43.3million for Marseille, even though that seems specific to Marseille, because they don’t like Marseille in the way that they poached their players previously,” he said.
“I don’t think it costs £43.3million, but because of their reticence to sell and saying they don’t need to sell, they got in a new, ambitious manager who did really well at Dunkerque last year, the phase of the project is changing a little bit.”
It means Leeds could get their own back, beating Sunderland to a cut-price deal.
Leeds United
Farke is eyeing more options in attack (Credit: Imago)
Leeds can edge out Sunderland to Abline
While Abline only bagged nine league goals last season, it sounds as if he is already a star in the making.
Furthermore, the 22-year-old made his mark at the UEFA European Under‑21 Championship, scoring against Poland.
Leeds have been linked with a variety of strikers, from ageing Premier League players to younger European prospects.
Abline would certainly be an investment, and the Elland Road club should eye players for the long term rather than a short-term fix.
Having had a bid rejected for Abline, it remains to be seen whether Sunderland will offer more for him.
Now, Leeds have the chance to pounce on the Black Cats and beat them to a signing of their own.
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