Leeds Utd transfer news: Victor Orta eyes Schalke winger Rabbi Matondo, with Prem rivals also keen
Leeds United are reportedly keen on signing Schalke winger Rabbi Matondo, who looks to be available on a cut-price deal this summer.
The Whites are looking to strengthen their squad, having almost suffered relegation last time out. Indeed, a 2-1 win at Brentford on the final day only secured their survival, sparking jubilant celebrations. However, the club began work on adding new players almost immediately.
Indeed, just hours after their Premier League place was confirmed Leeds swooped in to rubberstamp the signing of Brenden Aaronson. His signing was officially announced later that week. And he was soon joined at Elland Road by another RB Salzburg man in Rasmus Kristensen.
Next on their shopping list is Marc Roca. To that end, Leeds have reportedly agreed a deal and will put the player through a medical on Friday.
The Whites, though, are not hanging around this summer. And with their squad decimated by injuries throughout 2021/22, having stronger options is painfully apparent. Furthermore, the Premier League’s decision to allow up to five substitutes per game next season means clubs, like Leeds, need to ensure they have plenty of bench options.
Now, as per Bild, Leeds are one of three Premier League sides weighing up an approach for Matondo.
The winger plays for Schalke in the Bundesliga, signing in an £11m move from Manchester City in January 2019.
The move to Germany, however, has not worked out as planned. Indeed, he has made just 32 appearances since arriving in Gelsenkirchen.
As such, he was allowed to leave on loan last season, spending the 2021/22 campaign with Cercle Brugge. And he impressed for the Belgians, scoring 10 times in 27 matches for them.
Leeds lead six-club chase
They have an option to make the move permanent for just £3m. However, a failure to agree personal terms, means Matondo is up for grabs once again.
As per Bild around six clubs are keen on the Wales winger. They cite Nottingham Forest and Brentford alongside Leeds, as having interest from the Premier League. There are also three unnamed Ligue 1 clubs reportedly keen on the 21-year-old.
The German outlet though claims that chase is being led by Leeds, with director of football Victor Orta keen on his signature.
Rabbi Matondo signing: the pros and cons
While Leeds United do need a stronger squad this summer, the signing of Matondo will not be one that excites fans.
Leeds are well blessed for wingers. Indeed, Jesse Marsch can count Dan James, Jack Harrison and Crysencio Summerville as options. Furthermore, Leeds still await to see what will happen with Raphinha, though the club will surely target a bigger name were the Brazilian to leave.
To that end, it is hard to see where Rabbi Matondo will fit in.
That said, Leeds do need a bigger squad and for a low-risk fee of perhaps £5m, he could be worth a chance. As Leeds witnessed throughout 2021/22, having a threadbare squad does not do you any favours.
And if his wage demands are decent, maybe Leeds could look to hand him a two-year deal and see how it materialises.
If he doesn’t work out, then it’s a £5m investment at worst: not big money given the amount of money being in the Premier League generates.
