Rabbi Matondo’s Rangers Future: Can His International Form Revive His Career?

Rabbi Matondo’s time at Rangers has been far from smooth, but his recent upturn in form at Hannover 96 and his first international goal for Wales might just be the lifeline he needs to salvage his career. When Rangers signed Matondo in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of around £2.5 million, there was real optimism that he could become a key player for the club. At just 21 years old, he was an exciting prospect who had spent time in Manchester City’s academy and had impressed on loan at Cercle Brugge, scoring 10 goals in 27 games. Rangers saw him as a player who could add raw pace and direct attacking threat to their team, particularly as a potential successor to Ryan Kent, who was beginning to show signs of inconsistency.

However, despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Matondo’s time at Ibrox has been plagued by injuries, inconsistency, and unfulfilled potential. Now, with his loan spell in Germany allowing him to rebuild some confidence, and his recent heroics for Wales putting him back in the spotlight, the question remains: can he turn things around, or will Rangers look to move him on this summer?

A Promising Start That Never Materialized

When Rangers secured Matondo’s signature, many believed they had found a hidden gem. He had developed in one of the best academies in the world at Manchester City, had been capped for Wales at a young age, and had enjoyed a productive loan spell in Belgium. One of his biggest selling points was his electrifying speed. Reports suggested that while at Manchester City, he was the fastest player at the club, even quicker than Kyle Walker, who is widely regarded as one of the fastest defenders in the world. For a Rangers side that often struggled to break down low blocks in the Scottish Premiership, Matondo’s pace was seen as a game-changer.

But from the outset, things did not go as planned. Injuries disrupted his ability to gain momentum, and when he did play, his end product left a lot to be desired. Despite flashes of his talent, he struggled to impose himself in big games and never truly established himself as a first-team regular. Fans grew frustrated with his inconsistency, and it soon became clear that he was not living up to expectations. The fact that he has scored fewer goals for Rangers across multiple seasons than he did in a single campaign at Cercle Brugge speaks volumes about his struggles.

A Costly Investment for Rangers

One of the most significant issues surrounding Matondo has been his wages. It has been widely reported that he earns around £23,000 per week, making him one of the highest earners at the club. However, some unverified claims on social media suggest his salary could be closer to £35,000 per week. Regardless of the exact figure, the reality is that Rangers have not received value for money. For a club operating on a relatively tight budget compared to clubs in England or mainland Europe, committing such a significant wage to a player who has offered so little in return has been a major disappointment.

Given that Rangers will likely be looking to strengthen their squad in multiple areas this summer, clearing Matondo’s wages off the books would free up valuable resources for new signings. The challenge, however, will be finding a club willing to take him on. If his form for Hannover and Wales continues to improve, there may be interest, but Rangers will likely have to accept a reduced transfer fee compared to what they initially paid.

Signs of a Revival?

Despite his struggles at club level, Matondo’s recent international performances offer a glimmer of hope. His goal for Wales in a 4-1 win against Finland was a significant moment in his career, breaking his international duck after 13 appearances. Scoring at the Cardiff City Stadium, particularly at the Canton End, was clearly a special moment for him. Speaking after the match, he expressed his joy at finally scoring for his country:

“It hasn’t been easy at times but it’s about how the team do. I’ve always been a big Wales fan from the get-go, from growing up to where I am today. I’m grateful for getting picked and being in the squad, so it was nice to get on the pitch and score the first goal for my country. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of when I was younger. I was buzzing. I came through the Cardiff academy ranks before moving away, so it was always a dream of mine to score at the Cardiff City Stadium. To score, especially at the Canton End as well, was a lovely feeling. It was nice to get on for the minutes I did and to get my first goal, so hopefully many more now.”

It was a moment that seemed to mean a lot to Matondo, and for Rangers, it may serve as a timely reminder that he still possesses quality when given the right opportunities. However, one good performance for Wales does not erase the struggles he has faced at club level.

What’s Next for Matondo and Rangers?

As things stand, it seems highly likely that Rangers will look to move Matondo on this summer. Sporting director Nils Koppen will have the task of finding a buyer, and if Matondo can stay fit and maintain his form at Hannover and with Wales, his market value could rise slightly. However, given his high wages and underwhelming time at Rangers, it is unlikely the club will recoup anywhere near the £2.5 million they initially invested in him.

The situation also raises a broader question about Rangers’ recruitment strategy. On paper, signing a young, highly rated winger for a relatively modest fee seemed like a good decision. But in practice, it has not worked out. That does not mean Rangers should avoid similar deals in the future—after all, transfers always carry an element of risk. However, they must be more diligent in assessing a player’s ability to adapt to the demands of Scottish football, as well as their injury history.

For Matondo, the next few months will be crucial. If he can build on his recent success and finish the season strongly with Hannover, he might earn himself a move to a decent club in the summer. But if he struggles with injuries again, Rangers may have to settle for offloading him at a significant loss or even negotiating a contract termination.

Final Thoughts

Matondo’s Rangers career will likely be remembered as a case of unfulfilled potential. He arrived with high expectations, but injuries and inconsistency prevented him from making the impact that was hoped for. While his recent performances for Wales and Hannover suggest there is still a talented player in there, it is difficult to see a future for him at Ibrox. Rangers will be hoping that his international exposure can help boost his value and make it easier to find a buyer this summer.

Ultimately, his story serves as a reminder of the fine margins in football. Sometimes a player just doesn’t fit at a certain club, despite having all the right attributes on paper. If Matondo does leave Rangers in the summer, he will be hoping that a fresh start elsewhere allows him to finally fulfill the potential that so many saw in him as a teenager.