Deadline day promises to be as hectic as ever. For Sunderland, there could be some new faces arriving at Wearside after a relatively quiet month so far.
Sunderland have been trying to add to their sole signing of the January transfer window – Enzo Le Fee – but without much luck so far.
Kristjaan Speakman has had his eyes on a number of striker targets and Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus was ready to break the bank for Tom Cannon, though he’s since joined Sheffield United.
Strikers, or broadly speaking, attacking signings looks like the priority for Sunderland going into the final days of the transfer window. One such player linked is Rabbi Matondo.
Rangers want to sell Matondo before deadline day and are in talks with multiple clubs in a bid to get him off the books. Coventry City came close to signing him but for a disagreement over bonus payments, potentially leaving the door open for Sunderland to swoop in.
Sunderland AFC News recently spoke to Rangers expert Gavin Kelly to get the lowdown on Matondo, his situation at Rangers, and what he might bring to the Stadium of Light should he arrive before the February 3rd deadline day…
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Does Sunderland transfer target Rabbi Matondo compare to a current player?
Kelly: “Matondo is a strange player in that, on his day, he has all the tools needed to be an elite level winger. He’s fast, very fast, hard working, can beat multiple players with one dribble and can score goals.
“He’s also perfect for beating teams who set up in a block or for a counter attacking team. Although completely different in terms of physicality, Adama Traore is an obvious comparison. ‘On his day’ being the appropriate phrase.
“Unfortunately, due to injuries and consistency, his day just isn’t regular enough.”
What do Rangers fans think of Rabbi Matondo?
Kelly: “Rangers fans are sick of him, to put it politely. As one of the highest earners at the club, he has been nowhere near value for money. To give an example, his last start saw him score two goals and have two assists, he’s then missed the last three months.
“Rangers don’t have the luxury of carrying players like Matondo and know that they could get a better fit for the same money, if not less. Amad Diallo has shown what can happen with a run of games, but that will always be the question mark hanging over Matondo – can he stay fit?”
How much do Rangers want for Rabbi Matondo?
Kelly: “Rangers paid around £2million for Matondo, depending on what report you read. Given his age, profile and potential, a similar fee wouldn’t be extortionate in the current market.
“However, Rangers allowed five senior players – including Todd Cantwell and Sam Lammers who ripped up the Eredivisie on loan – to leave for a combined £800,000 in the summer. The priority is getting him off the books and starting again.”
Sunderland don’t play over the weekend, instead travelling to Middlesbrough on Monday night – Monday is also deadline day.