Sunderland make £17.1m bid to beat Marseille to Abline transfer
Sunderland are again in competition with European clubs as they attempt to sign French youngster Matthis Abline.
Abline, 22, has just returned from the Under-21 European Championships where France reached the semi-finals.
The Nantes forward started two games at the tournament and looks to be high on Sunderland’s transfer list this summer.
Sunderland look to beat strong competition to Abline signing
Sunderland have already faced a battle to sign Habib Diarra this month, shrugging off Premier League and European rivals in the race for the midfielder.
Regis Le Bris’ side also look set to sign experienced full-back Reinildo on a free transfer from Atlético Madrid.
The Mackems could now dip back into the French market, as according to French outlet Foot Mercato (1 July), Sunderland have made a £17.1million bid for Abline.
The youngster has also attracted interest from French Ligue 1 side Marseille, but the interest cooled once they discovered Nantes’ asking price of £42m.
Abline is under contract at Nantes until 2028, so the offer from Sunderland will likely be rejected, but it will offer sporting director Kristjaan Speakman an indication of how much they might budge.
With nine goals in 34 Ligue 1 matches, Abline was one of the most prolific forwards in France last season.
The forward would offer versatility to the Sunderland front line.
At six feet tall, Abline offers pace and strength to the Mackems and will be a focal point up top that Regis Le Bris’ side missed at times last season.
The news comes after reports that the Black Cats are keen to bring Bournemouth’s Hamed Traore to the Stadium of Light after his successful loan at Auxerre.
Sunderland avoiding mistakes of last season’s relegated teams
In exploring the French market, Sunderland are avoiding the mistakes of last campaign’s relegated sides.
| Matthis Abline’s Nantes career so far | |
| Appearances | 60 |
| Goals | 16 |
| Assists | 3 |
The likes of Ipswich struggled last season after recruiting most of their players from the Championship, and the Black Cats won’t be following in their footsteps.
The French market is largely untapped by English clubs, and Le Bris is a huge advantage in attracting players to venture across the pond.
Having sold Jobe Bellingham, Sunderland have an added financial advantage over their fellow promoted clubs, which could keep them up next season.