The Rangers players returned for pre-season training at the start of the week, preparing for the 2025/26 campaign under new manager Russell Martin.
This is the first season under the club’s new ownership group, and a major overhaul of the playing squad is anticipated in terms of both arrivals and departures.
Several players who were part of previous managerial regimes are expected to be moved on, including those returning from loan spells. Kieran Dowell, Ben Davies, Jose Cifuentes, and Rabbi Matondo are among those likely to leave.
However, there may be complications in finding a new club for Matondo.
Reports from within the Rangers Training Centre suggest that Matondo, recently back from a loan at German side Hannover 96, has returned injured and is currently on crutches.
The Welsh international was signed in the summer of 2022 under Giovanni van Bronckhorst for a reported €3 million but has failed to secure a regular place in the team.
Matondo has scored only eight goals in 67 appearances over three seasons, with his most memorable contribution being a dramatic last-minute equaliser in a 3-3 Old Firm draw against Celtic in 2024 under Philippe Clement.
While his pace is a clear asset, he has struggled to impact matches against deep-lying SPFL defences. His inability to consistently beat defenders one-on-one, coupled with recurring injuries, has limited his involvement and left him on the fringes.
The fact that he has returned injured, and is one of the club’s highest earners, presents a problem. If he cannot be moved on before the transfer window closes, his wages could restrict the club's ability to bring in reinforcements.
One potential replacement, Kwame Poku, now looks set to join Queens Park Rangers, reportedly choosing lifestyle over the opportunity to play at a higher level in Glasgow.
With Ross McCausland also expected to leave, and both Ianis Hagi and Vaclav Černý having already departed, Rangers are increasingly short of natural wide players. Martin may be forced to use new signing Max Aarons and his left-back options as wingbacks in a back five if the situation is not resolved.
There has been no official update on the severity of Matondo’s injury, but for the sake of the club’s transfer strategy, it is vital he regains fitness swiftly. Only then will Rangers have a realistic chance of moving him on and progressing with their much-needed squad rebuild.