If the reports in France are believed to be true (as claimed by the Daily Record), Rangers are weighing up a summer move for Matthis Abline. The Stade Rennais teenager is rated highly back in his homeland and the Gers are keen on having him in their ranks to inject more firepower in the attacking third.
Rangers are aggressively pursuing their transfer targets after a slow start this summer. They have roped in Tom Lawrence and Antonio Colak, whereas the talks are ongoing with Angers and Schalke for Angelo Fulgini and Rabbi Matondo. However, these are not luxury signings given the exit of Joe Aribo; also, the Glasgow giants are sweating over the future of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos.
The attacking pair have entered the final year of their Rangers contract and the club, therefore, must prepare themselves beforehand in case they fail to extend their stay beyond next summer. Colak, more of a targetman, should be considered an upgrade to Cedric Itten. But the promising France youth international holds all the traits to be a long-term successor of the Colombian if a deal is agreed upon in due course of time.
Abline, 19, progressed through the academy setups of Landemontais and Carquefou before joining Rennes four years ago. He represented Les Rennais reserves for a while prior to his senior debut against Dijon in April 2021.
The young centre-forward scored his first goal against Rosenborg in a UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round fixture. He then went on to feature 8 more times across competitions, however, the sporadic role did not help him grow as a first-team regular. Rennes sanctioned the Le Havre loan earlier this year and the brief stint worked spectacularly as he scored 6 goals and laid on 3 more in 16 league outings for the Ligue 2 side.
Why Rangers Must Pursue A Deal
Abline still has three years left in his Red and Blacks contract and the Light Blues must make an ambitious bid to stay in the hunt. Although the details are not known yet, the Europa League runners-up might pursue a loan offer with an option to buy if Rennes’ valuation could not be met this summer.
Rangers should primarily focus on retaining Morelos’ services. Kemar Roofe had his moments over the past couple of years, but the persistent injury problems refrained him from cementing a starting status. Abline is too young to replace ‘El Bufalo’ high up the pitch, yet a deal must be pursued to form a formidable force in the forthcoming future.
