SCHALKE sporting director Rouven Schroder has revealed the 'economic' consideration behind Rabbi Matondo's move to Rangers.
The Ibrox club sealed a permanent deal - for an undisclosed fee - to sign the Welsh international last week.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst was keen to add to his attacking options with Matondo joining Antonio Colak and Tom Lawrence as new additions this summer.
And Schalke chief Schroder - while wishing Matondo success in his move - explained the club could not keep him for the new season from "an economic point of view".
He told the club website: "Rabbi played a very good season in Belgium.
"Nevertheless, we have openly communicated with him that we cannot schedule him for the new season from an economic point of view.
"He has dealt with it in a highly professional manner.
"Now we wish him all the best for his private and professional future."
On his move to Rangers, Matondo commented: “I am absolutely buzzing to have signed for a club as big as Rangers.
“I am just looking forward to getting on the pitch at Ibrox in front of the amazing fans we have here at Rangers and I am excited.
“This is a big club with a massive history, and I just want to create more memories and more history here at the club.”
