Rennes buyout Matthis Abline after Nantes activate their purchase option | OneFootball

Matthis Abline (21) will return to Stade Rennais this summer despite FC Nantes activating their option to make his loan permanent.

The French U21 had impressed in the latter half of the season as he played a part in helping Les Canaris steer themselves away from the drop by the skin of their teeth. Abline was barely used under Pierre Aristouy and Jocelyn Gourvennec.

However, he excelled under Antoine Kombouaré’s management as he scored four of his five goals under the third manager of the campaign. It was this spell in the final eight games of the season which helped convince Nantes that in a summer of change, they could build around the forward.

This will not be the case for Les Canaris, as according to L’Équipe, Rennes have activated their buyout clause. Abline will not be a Nantes player despite their intentions and he will return to Rennes where he is under contract until 2026.

GFFN | Nick Hartland