Rangers FC are closing in on a decisive squad shake-up, with Rabbi Matondo on the verge of sealing an exit that signals a ruthless new direction under manager Danny Röhl.
The Welsh winger, once seen as a bright attacking prospect, now appears set to leave Ibrox after failing to cement a place in the team. With just three months remaining on his contract, Rangers are prepared to let him depart immediately—potentially for free—in order to move forward with their rebuild.
A Move Long in the Making
Matondo is reportedly close to joining Norwegian side Brann Bergen, with talks progressing toward a deal that would see him stay until the end of their domestic season. While no fee is expected upfront, Rangers are believed to be negotiating performance-related bonuses and a future sell-on clause—ensuring they could still benefit if the winger rediscovers his form elsewhere.
The move reflects a pragmatic approach from the Scottish club. Rather than holding onto a player who no longer fits into their plans, Rangers are opting for a clean break.
From Promise to Frustration
When Matondo arrived from Schalke in a £2.5 million move during Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s tenure, expectations were high. His pace and attacking flair made him an exciting addition, but consistency and fitness issues ultimately derailed his progress.
Across his time at Rangers, Matondo managed only 26 starts and scored eight goals—a return that fell short of what many had hoped. While he produced flashes of quality, including a memorable strike against PSV Eindhoven and a dramatic Old Firm equaliser against Celtic, those moments proved too rare.
A loan spell in Germany last season did little to revive his standing, and despite returning fit this campaign, he has struggled to break into Röhl’s plans.
Röhl’s Ruthless Rebuild
Matondo’s impending departure highlights the no-nonsense approach being taken by Röhl. The manager is clearly focused on reshaping the squad early, even if it means making tough calls before the transfer window fully opens.
By offloading players who are not central to his vision, Röhl is laying the groundwork for a more balanced and competitive Rangers side moving forward.
A Fresh Start for All Parties
For Matondo, a move to Norway offers a chance to reset his career away from the pressure of Ibrox. At 25, he still has time to rediscover the form that once made him such a highly rated talent.
For Rangers, it’s another step in a broader rebuild—one that prioritises efficiency, clarity, and long-term planning over sentiment.
As the deal edges closer to completion, one thing is clear: this is more than just a transfer—it’s a statement.
