Who is Sunderland target Matthis Abline?

Reports coming out of France have credited Sunderland with an interest in Rennes striker Matthis Abline.

The 20-year-old currently plays for French Ligue 1 side Rennes. He featured 11 times in the French top tier for Rennes last season, before joining Auxerre on loan for the second half of the season.

He scored three league goals in total last season and despite his young age, he's attracting interest, with Sunderland as well as French sides Strasbourg and Lorient reportedly  keen on the €8man.

What type of player is Abline?

Looking at some online highlights of Abline, it seems like he's a very exciting striker.

He's a bit of a Jermain Defoe-type striker in that he's usually inside the penalty area, latching onto loose balls and putting them in the back of the net.

Abline also has a lot of pace about him and he's always looking to move forward with the ball, so it's safe to say that he's a very positive and exciting poacher.

International career...

Abline has represented France at U16, U17, U19, U20, and U21 level. In total, Abline has racked up 30 youth caps for the French sides, scoring a total of 20 goals.

His best spell was with the French U19s between 2021 and 2022 - the youngster made 11 appearances for that age group and scored six goals.

Abline has also played in Europe too, playing for Rennes in the Europa Conference League during the 2021/22 season and even grabbing his first senior goal for the club in the competition, scoring against Rosenborg.

Why are Sunderland linked?

Abline obviously fits the bill for Sunderland - young and exciting. But it always extends to way more than that.

Abline's skillset looks like it would be suited to the English game. He's very quick and physical for a smaller player, and he looks like a somewhat aggressive player who isn't afraid to throw himself about when on the pitch.

What's more is that Abline would bolster Sunderland's attacking department which is looking light right now.

This one might be a bit out of Sunderland's price range, but Abline looks like a talent nonetheless.

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