Former Rangers winger enters crucial next chapter in declining career as he becomes a free agent again

Former Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo is a free agent once again after seeing his brief spell with Norwegian club SK Brann come to an end.

The 25-year-old has agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent, just five months after making the move to Norway.

Matondo joined the Eliteserien side permanently after Rangers agreed to release him from the final months of his contract at Ibrox in March. However, his time in Scandinavia has failed to provide the career revival he had hoped for.

The 25-year-old made only three league appearances for Brann during his short stay, with limited opportunities ultimately contributing to the decision for both parties to bring the arrangement to an early conclusion.

Brann's sporting director Per-Ove Ludvigsen cited the lack of playing time as the main reason for the termination, with Matondo expressing disappointment at not being able to showcase his abilities often enough.

The Welsh international previously had a brief trial with Sheffield United, appearing in three pre-season matches, but the club opted not to sign him. Despite a number of setbacks, Matondo remains hopeful of regaining his form and staying injury-free to potentially return to international duty.

Matondo’s career continues to nosedive

The latest development represents another frustrating chapter in a career that once appeared to be heading towards the highest level.

Matondo arrived at Rangers in the summer of 2022 after the club completed a deal to sign him from German club Schalke. He inked a four-year contract, with the player arriving at Ibrox carrying a reputation for explosive pace and considerable potential.

There were flashes of that ability during his Rangers career, but consistency and fitness proved difficult to achieve. Over three-and-a-half seasons in Govan, Matondo struggled to establish himself as a regular starter and spent lengthy periods on the sidelines with injuries.

He ultimately made 70 appearances, scoring seven goals, but only 18 of those appearances came as league starts - underlining the difficulties he encountered in securing a sustained run in the first team.

The winger was loaned out to Hannover 96 during the 2024/25 campaign in an attempt to resurrect his career and rebuild his confidence. Despite a promising start in Germany after scoring on his debut against Hamburg, the move did not provide the long-term solution either.

His eventual switch to Brann offered the possibility of a fresh start away from the pressure of Scottish football. Instead, another limited spell has left him searching for a new employer.

Despite the setbacks, Matondo remains determined to rebuild his career. He admitted that it was disappointing not to have had the opportunity to show Brann supporters what he could produce on the pitch, while expressing gratitude towards his teammates and the club.

The next chapter of his career could therefore be crucial. At 25, there is still time for Matondo to revive his career. His pace, experience and international background could make him an appealing option for clubs willing to take a chance on a player who has previously demonstrated his attacking ability.

The immediate priority, however, will be finding a stable environment where he can remain fit and play regularly.

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