Sparsely utilised by Pierre Aristouy and then Jocelyn Gourvennec, Matthis Abline (21) has found his place in Antoine Kombouaré’s version of FC Nantes.
Having scored just once in his first 21 Ligue 1 games for Nantes, he has two in his last three. Currently, on loan from Breton rivals Stade Rennais, it is looking increasingly likely that Abline’s stay at the Beaujoire will be extended, but there is one condition.
A €6m buy option was included in the deal that saw Abline join Nantes in the summer.and that option could now be triggered but that will only happen if Les Canaris secure their safety in Ligue 1, according to L’Équipe. Kombouaré’s side have won two of their three games since the former Paris Saint-Germain manager took charge of the club to ease their relegation fears.
Currently 14th, Nantes are now five points ahead of FC Lorient, who currently occupy the relegation play-off spot, although Les Merlus do have one game in hand.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
