Winger linked with Man Utd, Arsenal in 2020 set for Championship loan

Samuel Bannister 03 Jan 2021 10:42 PM

Schalke attacker Rabbi Matondo is close to joining Stoke on loan for the rest of the season, according to reports.

The Wales international has been tipped for big things since joining Schalke from Manchester City in January 2019.

Matondo was showing signs of form that led to links with a return to the Premier League at times last season. There was talk of Arsenal making contact for him.

Manchester United were also a potential suitor, with Matondo seen as a cheaper alternative to Jadon Sancho. In the end, they signed neither.

Since then, Schalke’s form has nosedived, and Matondo has been struggling to make the same kind of impact. He is without a goal since June.

The 20-year-old may now have the chance for a fresh start in England. However, it will not be in the Premier League.

Instead, Sport1 report that Stoke are close to taking him to the Championship for the next six months.

While there may have been suitors for Matondo in the top flight, Stoke have surged forward in the battle to sign him. The deal could even be announced next week, it is claimed.

It would be an opportunity for revival for the Liverpool-born attacker, who has fallen out of favour in Germany.

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Matondo always open to England return

Back in May, the winger admitted that he would consider returning to English football, although he refused to commit to a decision at the time.

“I haven’t really thought about it like that,” he said.

“I just want to do well at Schalke and give back what they have invested into me. I just want to give my all and then whatever happens in the future happens. Never say never.”

Now, it seems he is in line to come back to the English game – although perhaps not at the level he would have imagined a few months ago.

Rabbi Matondo