AS Monaco midfielder Eliot Matazo could’ve played his last match for the Ligue 1 club in news which might be of interest to Rangers manager Philippe Clement.
The former Philippe Clement managed Belgian youth international came through the youth ranks at Anderlecht before joining AS Monaco in 2018 and is reportedly “not satisfied” with a lack of opportunities in France.
That’s according to French newspaper Nice-Matin, who report that Eliot Matazo could be available for a loan or permanent transfer in January once he recovers from a thigh injury.
The report suggests that this means the midfielder’s final appearance for AS Monaco could’ve been the 3-2 win over Olympique Marseille at the end of September.
Expected to return in January, that’s just in time for would-be suitors to launch a move and given the lack of midfield options at Rangers, and links to Philippe Clement, the situation will pique the interest of Ibrox supporters.
Eliot Matazo to leave AS Monaco?
The defensive midfielder has made only six appearances for AS Monaco this season, playing only 95 minutes without a single start this campaign.
Whilst a thigh problem has kept Eliot Matazo out in recent weeks, it’s added competition at AS Monaco which is making things difficult for the Belgian.
With the likes of Mali international Mohamed Camara and Switzerland star Denis Zakaria ahead of Matazo in the pecking order at the Stade Louis-II, minutes look hard to come by at present for the midfielder.
Having made 17 appearances for the Belgian U21 side, we’d be very surprised is this not a player whose situation isn’t being discussed by countrymen Philippe Clement and Nils Koppen.
Especially considering Rangers are currently without fellow Belgian youth talent Nicolas Raskin, Ecuadorean international Jose Cifuentes, and Scotland star Ryan Jack through injury.
Links to Rangers boss Philippe Clement
Whilst there has been no official link to Rangers as things stand, Philippe Clement worked with Eliot Matazo during his time in charge of AS Monaco.
A routine starter under the ex-Club Brugge boss in France last season – making 29 appearances in total with 16 from the beginning of matches – it’s a player the Rangers manager is well aware of.
What’s more, Eliot Matazo was handed a three-year contract extension during Philippe Clement’s time in Monaco, with the fact the player is tied to the Ligue 1 club to 2026 a potential stumbling block.
Upon being handed the new deal, then AS Monaco Sporting Director Paul Mitchell claimed the midfielder has all the “necessary skills” to make it to the “top level” of football.
It’s certainly one to keep an eye on ahead of the transfer window with Rangers manager Philippe Clement admitting the club’s injury situation will have a bearing on any transfer business.
“Yeah we take (injuries) into account,” said Clement. “You need to take that into account.
“It’s more about players and how available are they for the club so that’s going to be important in making good decisions also.”
Eliot Matazo – who wears the number 8 jersey in France – has made 77 appearances for AS Monaco since breaking through into the first team back in September 2020.
There might be one thing which holds back any interest however – Philippe Clement claims he’s apprehensive to build a “Belgian colony” in the southside of Glasgow.