The manager of Ligue 1 side Nantes has admitted that he is preparing for the departure of a player linked with a move for Leeds United.
With a deal for Dominic Calvert-Lewin now complete and Leeds looking set to complete the signing of AC Milan winger Noah Okafor, the Whites’ attacking line-up for the new season is beginning to take shape.
However, Leeds have been linked with a number 10 and, with Bilal El Khannouss looking set to join Crystal Palace, Daniel Farke may be forced into a rethink.
The latest name to be linked with a move to Elland Road is Nantes forward Matthis Abline, who looks set to leave Ligue 1 this summer.
Now, the Nantes manager has admitted that he is preparing for life after Abline as speculation over his future begins to mount.
Nantes manager Luis Castro
Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images
Nantes manager makes Matthis Abline admission
Nantes kicked off their Ligue 1 season with a game against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, but Abline was a notable omission from their starting line-up amid speculation about his future.
Speaking to Ligue 1+ after the game, via Foot Mercato, Nantes manager Luis Castro admitted that he was putting plans in place in case Abline does leave.
Discussing Abline’s future immediately after his side’s 1-0 defeat against PSG, Castro said: “Abline? I’m preparing everything.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
“Tomorrow’s training is with all the players in the squad. He’s a great player. If a player leaves, we have to look at the market. The club is prepared for all positions.
“If at some point, a player leaves, we have to prepare. But we have capable players.”
FC Nantes midfielder Matthis Abline during a Ligue 1 match against Toulouse.
Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images
What position does Matthis Abline play?
Having come through the academy at Stade Rennais, alongside former Leeds favourite Georginio Rutter, Abline joined Nantes on a permanent deal in 2024, after spending the previous season on loan with the club.
Abline wears the number 10 shirt with the Canaries but generally operates as a central striker for his club, and has played the majority of his games through the middle.
Matthis Abline – Ligue 1 stats Appearances Goals Assists
2025/26 1 0 0
2024/25 33 9 2
2023/24 12 5 0
However, he is versatile and has previously played on both the left and the right wing for Nantes, Rennes and the French under-21 side.
According to ESPN, he scored nine goals and registered three assists last season. Although he is not a traditional number 10, his versatility means he could add another dimension to Leeds’ attack.