Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo was spotted taking in Leeds vs Cardiff on Sunday with both clubs rumoured to be interested in his signature. The 22-year-old Welshmen has been left out of Rangers European squad and was an unused substitute against Kilmarnock.
It’s understood that Michael Beale doesn’t see him in his future plans and he’ll be allowed to leave this summer. However, it’s currently unclear if it would be a loan deal or permanent move.
Loan or Permanent Transfer?
Rabbi Matondo will turn 23 in September and is contracted until 2026. There’s a chance if he goes out on loan he could regain his confidence and come back a better player.
On the other hand, he could flop on loan the same way he’s done at Ibrox. That could further decrease his value on the market.
Rangers don’t have a lot of luck when it comes to loan moves. I can barely remember any success stories apart from Allan McGregor and Charlie Adam.
If the winger isn’t in the managers plans, should ties just be cut now? Is a loan move just a waste of time?
Leeds or Cardiff?
There’s been massive turnover at Leeds after their relegation. They’re also set to sell Tyler Adams and bring in around £20m.
They’re also rumoured to be exploring the sales of Gnonto and Summerville which would leave them light of attacking options. It would however, bring them in a lot of funds to play with.
Definitely enough to make Matondo a permanent transfer. It all just depends on if Daniel Farke wants to take that risk. He’s been poor for Rangers so the Leeds manager would need to believe he can turn his career around.
He definitely needs confidence and game time, could be be afforded that at Leeds? Will Daniel Farke be the man to turn his career around?
I’m unsure of Cardiff’s financial situation but they definitely don’t have the type of money Leeds will this summer. A loan deal to Wales seems the most like option there. Again though, does a loan deal work for Rangers?
Personally, I’d rather it was a permanent transfer. Especially considering how high his wages are supposed to be. He’s not in the managers plans and shouldn’t be here beyond the window.
Conclusion
It just hasn’t worked out for Rabbi Matondo at Rangers. He was a transfer that excited fans at the time. A young, rapid winger who Schalke once paid around £8m for? Yeah there was some positive vibes around that one.
Unfortunately, he only managed 19 SPFL appearances (9 starts) through a mixture of being out of favour and injury. He only managed 4 assists in those appearances and was a frustrating figure on the pitch.
He possesses a lot of pace but still doesn’t really know how to use it. His decision making and final ball are not at the level which Rangers require.
He’s also very lightweight and often gets knocked off of the ball easily. He was given a chance in preseason and in one of the matches came off the bench and had 3 chances to get a goal. He didn’t convert any of them and it cemented the opinion that he wasn’t what Rangers need.
The winger could come good, one day. However, Rangers don’t have the time to wait on someone like him turning it around. Rangers need players to help them win now and Rabbi Matondo isn’t that guy.
How do you feel about this deal? Will you be sad to see him go? Do you hope it’s just a loan move to he can come back and try again next season? Or do you think his Rangers career is over?
ICYMI you can read yesterdays Rangers transfer update here.
When Matondo arrived he impressed with his speed, without compusure or much skill.
Nothing has changed. Tbh, I don’t believe he’s even at Championship level.
I could be wrong, but I believe he’ll end up at League 1.
Time will tell, I guess.
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