“Might be a surprise X-Factor” – Journalist drops big Celtic verdict on £3.5m target

Celtic target Rabbi Matondo could be a ‘surprise X-Factor’ for Ange Postecoglou’s side next season, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 21-year-old is attracting a lot of attention after enjoying a successful season-long loan spell away from parent club Schalke last term and could secure a switch to Parkhead.

Matondo revived his stuttering career with Belgian outfit Cercle Bruges during 2021/22, but German outlet Bild have revealed they cannot afford to pay their €3.5 million (£3m) option-to-buy clause.

That has reportedly sparked a race for the Wales international’s signature amongst several clubs from across the continent.

Celtic are said to be joined by fierce rivals Rangers, Premier League trio Brentford, Leeds United and newly-promoted Nottingham Forest while Ligue 1 outfits RC Lens, Stade Brest and ESTAC Troyes are also said to be in contention.

Due to the demand for Matondo, Schalke have now raised their asking price to €4m (£3.5m) and are eager to use the proceeds from his sale to rebuild their first-team squad.

O’Rourke believes Matondo could give the Hoops ‘a different option in attack’ due to his versatility and reckons he may prove to be an astute acquisition.

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He told GiveMeSport: “I’m sure it’s somebody that Celtic might think could give them a different option in attack ahead of next season, and I think he’d be relatively cheap as well.

“So, I think Matondo could be somebody who might be a surprise X-Factor for Ange Postecoglou going forward as he can play in several positions across the front line.”

Schalke hoped they would be signing their own Jadon Sancho when they prised Matondo away from Manchester City back in January