Rangers will be linked with countless players this summer but one position that we unanimously need to upgrade is that of the right wing, whether it’s an out and out winger or a wide forward, identifying a player that is consistent and can produce double digit goals and assists every season is a top priority.
One name already mentioned is Rabbi Matondo, the Schalke forward who has just a year left on his current contract having spent much of his time in Germany out on loan after signing from Manchester City’s academy for a fee believed to be around £8million – it’s safe to say that the move hasn’t quite gone to plan.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s chances of luring the Wales international have improved significantly though when it was revealed by Waz – a German media outlet – that Cercle Brugge won’t be taking up the option to buy that they had on Matondo, however, we face competition for his signature from a familiar foe:
“Despite a strong loan campaign at Cercle Brugge, Rabbi Matondo will not be a permanent fixture for the Belgian club. The club will not exercise the €3.5m purchase option for the 21-year-old winger, Brugge announced recently.
“Meanwhile, top Scottish clubs Glasgow Celtic and Glasgow Rangers are “very interested” in the youngster. In addition, Matondo is also on the list of clubs in the Premier League. This coincides with information from this editorial team. In addition, French clubs should strive for the agile winger.”
The €3.5m (£3m) clause would have been inserted when Matondo still had two years to run on his Schalke contract so there is every chance that he would be available for less, even still, at this price, given his age, international experience and current form, it would represent decent value for money.
There have now been reports in Belgium and Germany that we are interested in Matondo so it looks as though there could be some truth in the rumour and I’d expect Celtic’s interest to be based on them not re-signing Jota given that they have just extended James Forrest’s contract too – get in first, get in early and make the most of what could be a real bargain to continue the early momentum and positivity in what it is sure to be a busy transfer window.