Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Rabbi Matondo sees Rangers and Ibrox as the “perfect” next step in his career, with a £2.5million move on the verge of completion – despite links with Leeds United and Old Firm rivals Celtic.
Joining Schalke from Manchester City in 2019, Matondo has endured an up-and-down spell with the German outfit. Just 31 outings have come in Schalke colours, with the 11-time Wales star spending the last 18 months out on loan.
The back end of 2020-21 was spent at Stoke, scoring once in 11 games. He then moved to Belgium for the entirety of last season, scoring 10 in 27 games. But he needs a permanent home and it appears Rangers are about to offer it.
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Reports had said that both Leeds and Celtic were keen on Matondo. But a report from German outlet Sport1 over the weekend says Rangers are close to wrapping up a £2.5million move. Jones says Matondo sees Rangers as perfect.
“I was speaking to someone yesterday and it’s thought that Rangers is seen as the perfect platform for him right now. As talks progress, I think he’s becoming quite keen on the idea of going there,” Jones said, on Rangers and Matondo.
Matondo sees Rangers as perfect next step
Rangers have instantly become busy in the summer window, having sold Joe Aribo to Southampton. They have since brought in Antonio Colak, a striker from Greek side PAOK, as well as free agent and Wales ace Tom Lawrence.
The Gers do have options out wide, where Matondo is best. But Ianis Hagi is only just returning from a long-term injury, and there are doubts over the future of Ryan Kent with his contract ending in 2023.
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