Schalke sign Manchester City talent Rabbi Matondo

Schalke have announced the signing of 18-year-old Welsh forward Rabbi Matondo from English Premier League side Manchester City.

Matondo has signed a long-term contract through to summer 2023, and will wear the No.14 shirt.

"We've had our eyes on Rabbi for a long time," said Schalke head coach Domenico Tedesco. "He has huge potential. He's extremely quick and good technically, but we mustn't forget he's still very young. That's why we'll give him the time he needs to find his feet at Schalke and in the Bundesliga."

The next Jadon Sancho?

Matondo, who did not make a first-team appearance for Man City, was born in Liverpool, but began his club career at Cardiff before he was brought to the City academy in 2016. He was eligible to represent DR Congo, England or Wales at international level before opting for the latter. He made his debut under Ryan Giggs against Albania in November 2018.

He follows in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho, who joined Schalke’s rivals Borussia Dortmund from Man City back in the summer of 2017 and has already stamped his authority on the Bundesliga since his arrival, despite still being only 18.

Rabbi Matondo has made his mark in the youth teams at Manchester City, just like Jadon Sancho. - 2018 Getty Images

Matondo: 'The Bundesliga is a fantastic league'

"The Bundesliga is a fantastic league," Matondo said. "Schalke is the right decision for my future as a footballer and I'm looking forward to being a part of the club and their future plans.

"I already knew a bit about Schalke before the offer came in. Guys like Mesut Özil, Ivan Rakitic and Leroy Sane made huge strides in their career here. I also had good talks with the coach, and my new teammates only had good things to say. I'm very excited."

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