Monaco sign Nantes forward Matthis Abline in €30m deal on long-term contract

Monaco have completed the signing of Nantes forward Matthis Abline in a deal worth €30m, with the Frenchman agreeing a contract until the summer of 2031.

The 23-year-old becomes Monaco’s fourth signing of the summer and the ninth player in the club’s history to join from Nantes. He arrives after two seasons with the Canaries, initially on loan and then on a permanent basis.

Abline, who can operate both as a winger and a central striker, made his name in Ligue 1 after coming through spells with Rennes, Le Havre and Auxerre earlier in his career.

Record at Nantes

Abline first moved to Nantes on loan for the 2023-24 season before the club activated an option to buy the following summer.

Across his time at the Beaujoire, he played 94 matches in all competitions, scoring 24 goals and providing 10 assists. Despite his contributions last season, his goals were not enough to prevent Nantes from being relegated to Ligue 2.

The transfer continues a long-standing pathway between the two clubs, with Abline following a line of players to make the switch from Nantes to the Principality side.

International pedigree

On the international stage, Abline featured for France at the 2025 Under-20 European Championship.

He played a part in helping Les Bleuets reach the semi-finals of the tournament, further enhancing his reputation as one of the more promising French forwards of his age group.

Monaco’s summer rebuild

Abline is Monaco’s fourth recruit of the current transfer window.

The club have already completed a permanent move for Ansu Fati from Barcelona, while Nazinho has arrived from Belgian side Cercle Brugge and Sadibou Sane has joined from Metz.

There have been significant departures as well. Jasoum Camara has left for Besiktas, Caio Henrique has moved to Ajax and Aladji Bamba has signed for Newcastle.

Season ahead under Felipe Luis

Monaco, coached by Brazilian Felipe Luis, are preparing for a busy campaign which will include European football.

The team will take part in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa Conference League as they look to secure a place in the group stage of the competition.

Domestically, Monaco begin their Ligue 1 season with an away trip to Le Havre on 23 August, where Abline could make his competitive debut for the club.