Former FC Schalke 04 winger Rabbi Matondo is currently without a club following the termination of his contract with Norwegian top-flight side SK Brann in late August. The Welsh international faces an uncertain future as he deals with professional instability and recovery from a persistent injury.
Contract Termination in Norway
Matondo’s stint in Norway ended abruptly just months after he joined the club. The winger, who moved to SK Brann on a free transfer in March 2026, struggled to secure a place in the rotation. Official records indicate he made only three appearances, totaling 30 minutes of action. Following the mutual agreement to dissolve his contract in late August, Matondo remains a free agent, currently searching for a new professional opportunity.
Stalled Momentum at Sheffield United
Before his departure from Norway, Matondo sought to revitalize his career in English football. He participated in the full pre-season training camp with Sheffield United, appearing in three test matches for the side. Despite the extended trial period, the club did not offer him a permanent contract. Complicating his search for a new team is an ongoing injury that has sidelined the player since July, leaving his immediate availability for competitive play in question.
A Career Defined by High Expectations and Injury
Matondo’s current professional status marks a stark contrast to his arrival in the Bundesliga. In January 2019, Schalke 04 acquired the winger from Manchester City for a reported fee of 9 million euros, viewing him as a potential standout talent. During his tenure in Gelsenkirchen, he made 30 Bundesliga appearances and scored two goals. His time at the club included loan spells at Stoke City and Cercle Brügge; while he struggled to find consistency in England, he experienced a brief resurgence in Belgium, scoring nine goals during the 2021/22 season.
Following his departure from Schalke, Matondo moved to join the Glasgow Rangers. His three-year tenure in Scotland was frequently interrupted by physical setbacks, specifically involving his knees and thighs. Data from industry trackers suggests he missed over 300 days of action during this period, though he still managed 70 appearances across all competitions, contributing 19 direct goal involvements.
Limited Impact in Hannover
In January 2025, Matondo returned to Germany on loan with Hannover 96, aiming to regain form in the 2. Bundesliga. The stint yielded limited results, with the winger recording ten appearances and one goal. He featured in the starting lineup only twice, eventually falling out of the first-team rotation by the end of the campaign. This loan period preceded his brief, unsuccessful move to SK Brann, continuing a cycle of limited playing time that has characterized his recent professional career.
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