Hibernian have signed Rabbi Matondo on a deal until the end of the season, with the option of a further year, handing Marink Reedijk his first signing since replacing David Gray last month. It is a straightforward squad move, but also an obvious one. Hibs are 10th with 7 points from 7 matches and a goal difference of -3, so the search for more pace and directness in attack did not need much explaining.

Reedijk's first signing

Matondo arrives after leaving Brann in August following a five-month spell, and his route into the squad has already been helped by time on the training ground with Reedijk.

Speaking to bbc.co.uk, Reedijk said: "He made an immediate impression during our time in La Manga and has shown a great attitude, strong application and a real willingness to learn and adapt."

That gives the move a bit more shape than a late market gamble. Hibs have seen the player up close first, and Reedijk has moved for someone he believes can fit quickly.

Matondo could make his debut at Dundee United on Saturday, which would give Hibs an immediate look at what they have brought in. With the club sitting 10th, this is the kind of signing that is meant to affect the team now, not in a few months.

The profile Hibs wanted

Reedijk was even clearer on what Matondo is expected to add. Quoted by bbc.co.uk, he said: "Rabbi gives us pace, directness and a real threat in wide areas, while also bringing a positive personality into the dressing room."

That description lines up with where Hibs need help. A side with 7 points from 7 league games and a -3 goal difference is not in a position to turn down speed and one-v-one threat in wide areas. The numbers are still early-season numbers, but they point to a team needing more attacking punch.

There is also a Scottish football angle here that matters. The former Rangers winger made 70 appearances during his spell at Ibrox and has 15 Wales caps, so Hibs are not asking an unfamiliar player to learn the league from scratch.

Reedijk also told Daily Record: "Rogier and I know each other well and have worked together before, so he understands how I want our teams to play and the environment we want to create." Even with the name mix-up in that quote, the wider point is clear enough: Reedijk sees the signing as a fit for his way of working as well as a simple addition out wide.

Matondo's job now is the hard part. Hibs need production, and quickly, with Dundee United up next on Saturday.

FAQ

Why have Hibernian signed Rabbi Matondo now?

Hibernian have brought in Rabbi Matondo as Marink Reedijk's first signing since taking charge last month. The manager said Matondo adds pace, directness and a threat in wide areas, which fits a side that sits 10th with a goal difference of -3 after seven league matches.

Can Rabbi Matondo play straight away for Hibernian?

He could. The current expectation is that Matondo could make his Hibernian debut at Dundee United on Saturday. The move has been completed, but there is no confirmed debut yet.

What kind of deal has Rabbi Matondo signed at Hibernian?

Matondo has joined Hibernian on a deal until the end of the season, with the option of a further year. It has not been presented as a permanent transfer beyond that.

How much Scottish Premiership experience does Rabbi Matondo have?

Matondo is not arriving cold. He previously made 70 appearances for Rangers during his spell at Ibrox, and that background should help him settle quickly back into Scottish football after leaving Brann in August.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →