£23k pw Rangers loanee 'buzzing' as international dream hits hard
03/24/2025 01:00 PM
Rangers performances in the Europa League will help to raise the profiles of players who could one day make the club a lot of money.
The 11 players on international duty will also attract attention with Hamza Igamane earning praise and Nicolas Raskin starring for Belgium in what has been a successful first call up for the pair.
Rabbi Matondo left Rangers in January, but has done enough for Hannover to earn a recall to the Wales squad.
The 24-year old's time at Ibrox has been interrupted due to injury, however, Matondo's first goal for Wales is another moment to celebrate.
With Rangers likely to move Matondo on in the summer, Nils Koppen's job will be a lot easier if the winger can stay fit and in form.
- READ MORE:Barry Ferguson has previously said he 'hopes' Rangers can strike £1m deal for Ibrox loanee
Rabbi Matondo scores first Wales goal amid Rangers future doubt
Speaking after scoring in the 90th minute for his country and to break his duck at the 13th attempt, Rabbi Matondo was clearly ecstatic:
"It hasn't been easy at times but it's about how the team do,” he said.
“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.
"I'm loving every moment of camp so far. It's my first camp under the new manager and I'm enjoying the training and instructions and the way we're playing."
Has Rabbi Matondo been a flop for Rangers?
When Rangers signed Matondo for a fee in the region of £2.5m – reports vary between £2m to £3m – it was a good deal.
Not only was he just 21, but he had spent time in Man City's academy, and was the club's fastest player, including the likes of Kyle Walker, he had also scored 10 goals in 27 games for Cercle Brugge.
It was the sort of return that Rangers needed from a winger with an additional threat to that of Ryan Kent.
On a reported £23,000 per week according to Salary Sport, there have been other claims on social media that this figure could be a lot higher and nearer the £35,000 per week mark, although these are unsubstantiated.
Either way, he has not been good value for money seeing as he has scored two goals fewer in his time at Rangers since signing in 2022 than he did in one season on loan in Belgium.
However, if Koppen has the chance to sign a flying machine winger this summer for £2m who is only 21 and got into double figures for the season, he should take that chance.
Just because it didn't work out once, doesn't mean it won't work out the next time.
