Rangers attacker Rabbi Matondo

Rabbi Matondo set to stay at Rangers after Hampden Park development

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

Published on:

27 Aug 2024, 3:50 pm

Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo will be staying with the Light Blues after interest from Blackburn Rovers ended, according to Chris Jack.

The Rangers Review journalist posted on X (27 August) to report that although Blackburn made an inquiry for Matondo earlier this summer, the winger is set to stay put after a strong start to the season.

Matondo scored his first two goals of the campaign in the Light Blues' 6-0 victory over Ross County at Hampden Park on 24 August, and will remain a Gers player after "catching the eye" in his performance.

Blackburn instead now look likely to pursue a deal for Ibrox playmaker Todd Cantwell, with Jack's report in the Rangers Review stating that the two clubs have held "initial discussions" over a possible transfer.

Rangers could strike dream deal in Blackburn Rovers transfer saga

Rangers and Blackburn's correspondence in recent weeks over the availability of Philippe Clement's players could result in a 'best of both worlds' scenario for the Belgian before the transfer window shuts.

Cantwell, having handed in a transfer request at the start of the summer, is persona-non-grata at Auchenhowie and is right at the bottom of the pecking order, with any sale being good news for Clement.

Blackburn Rovers have held initial discussions with Rangers over a move for Todd Cantwell.

Rovers face Blackpool tonight in the EFL Cup and expect to step up business ahead of the deadline. Previous interest in Rabbi Matondo has cooled.@RangersReview55 https://t.co/7XKQECVlS1
— Chris Jack (@Chris_Jack89) August 27, 2024

Matondo, meanwhile, has made a bright start to the new campaign despite being one of the players who some fans would be happy to see sold, with a brace in a 6-0 win being perfect Old Firm preparation.

Cementing his place on the left-hand side despite the long-standing interest of both Blackburn and Leeds United this summer [Football Scotland, 15 August], Matondo has proven his worth to both Clement and the Ibrox faithful.

Cantwell, however, is someone who all in light blue will be glad to see the back of, and selling the 26-year-old to Blackburn at the same time Matondo raises his game is a shrewd move on Rangers' part.

In other Rangers news, club legend Ally McCoist gave a damning verdict on the quality of both Old Firm sides before the first derby.

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