The winger was once strongly linked to the Coventry Building Society Arena, and despite competition from Sheffield Wednesday and the Black Cats, a number of sources indicated that an agreement was almost final.
Darren Witcoop, a journalist, wrote on his personal X account on Wednesday: “Coventry is getting closer to signing Glasgow Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo on loan. Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday, two other Championship teams, were also interested in the Welshman.
Similarly, the Coventry Telegraph, a local publication, acknowledged the Sky Blues’ interest while speculating that Matondo may “join on an initial loan with a buy option in the region of £2 million in the summer” as part of any agreement.
But Coventry’s efforts to sign Matondo ultimately stalled, with Mike McGrath of The Telegraph claiming that issues over “bonus payments/add-ons” derailed the anticipated deal.
Since then, it has been unclear as to where the 24-year-old would be playing his football come the end of the window, but a fresh update suggests that an exit is still very much on the cards.
According to a report from Rangers Review, Matondo is “expected” to depart Ibrox between now and next Monday’s transfer deadline, while stating that the attacker “retains strong interest” from the Championship, and that the Gers “remain in talks with multiple suitors.
Matondo is a product of Manchester City’s youth academy, and has been on the books at Ibrox since 2022, when he signed from German outfit FC Schalke. During his time with the Bundesliga side, he also spent time on loan at Stoke City and Belgian club Cercle Brugge.
Matondo has scored eight goals and provided twelve assists in 67 appearances across all competitions since moving to Glasgow. However, this season has been a tough one for the wide player, who has only played 327 minutes for the first team, largely because of a hamstring injury.
However, in six Scottish Premiership games, he has returned two goals and two assists. But now that he is fully recovered, Matondo finds himself on the fringes of Philippe Clement’s plans for Scotland.
Earlier this month, Pete O’Rourke reported that Sunderland were among the clubs courting the forward, alongside Sheffield Wednesday. At that stage, it was understood that Matondo was closing in on a loan move to mainland Europe.
Last summer, it was reported that Matondo was the subject of failed bids from both Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers. Speaking at the time, Gers boss Clement said: “There are a lot of rumours [linking Matondo with an exit]. We cannot say no to everything, we’ll see this week. For the moment, Rabbi will be here with us next week. That’s what I want also. But if someone comes with enough money, the club will always be open for talks.”
