Leeds United have reportedly joined the race to sign FC Schalke 04 winger Rabbi Matondo, who is also a target for several English and French clubs.
According to BILD, Leeds United are among a host of clubs interested in raiding German giants FC Schalke 04 for the signing of Rabbi Matondo in the summer transfer window.
Matondo spent more than two years at the Manchester City youth setup, having joined from Cardiff City in 2016. However, he left the club for Schalke in January 2019 in search of a faster pathway to first-team football. But, the 21-year-old’s transfer to Germany did not pan out as expected as he struggled for game-time and managed just two goals in 32 appearances in his first two years at Schalke.
Matondo joined Stoke City on loan in January last year but failed to sparkle before returning to Germany. Last summer saw the 21-year-old Wales international sign for Cercle Brugge on a season-long loan deal. And he found some form at the Belgian club, finishing the season with a return of ten goals and two assists from 27 matches in all competitions.
Matondo is now back at Schalke, who are hoping to capitalise on his recent form and offload him permanently. Having paid €10 million to sign him, the newly-promoted Bundesliga outfit are asking for a fee of €4 million. And it seems there is no shortage of interest in the 21-year-old, with several clubs, including Leeds United, keen on signing him.
Leeds United have been pretty active in the transfer market, having already landed the signings of Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen, while they are also close to the capture of Marc Roca from Bayern Munich. But the transfer business is far from done at Elland Road as manager Jesse Marsch looks to further strengthen his ranks to avoid getting dragged into the relegation fight again next term.
A new winger is set to be high on the priority list for Leeds as question marks linger over the future of Raphinha. The Brazilian international is attracting serious interest from Arsenal, Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur and is widely expected to move on this summer. His departure would leave a huge void in the attacking unit for Leeds, which could explain their interest in Matondo.
While the 21-year-old has not had the best time in Germany, Matondo showed he still has the potential and quality to come good at Cercle Brugge the last term. And with age on his side and a manager like Marsch, who can get the best out of youngsters, the former Manchester City starlet can be a shrewd long-term signing for Leeds.
However, they will have to face competition from newly-promoted Premier League sides Fulham and Nottingham Forest, while Brentford are also keen. There is also interest from French clubs ESTAC Troyes, RC Lens and Stade Brest. So, Leeds will have their task cut out if they are serious about signing Matondo this summer.