Over six months after Rangers exit, Rabbi Matondo is ‘working on’ return to Scotland.

Rabbi Matondo could be set for an unexpected return to Scottish football, with Hibernian reportedly working on a deal to bring the former Rangers winger to Easter Road.

The Wales international is currently without a club after his contract with Norwegian side SK Brann was terminated towards the end of the summer transfer window. Matondo has subsequently been training with Hibs as a trialist and appears to have done enough during his time around the squad to convince the club that he could be worth signing.

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The 26-year-old has been looking for his next opportunity after leaving Brann, and a return to Scotland could now provide him with the chance to revive his career. Hibernian have been assessing the winger since the arrival of head coach Marink Reedijk, with Matondo given an opportunity to impress during training and friendly matches.

According to a new report, Hibs are now actively attempting to complete an agreement for the former Rangers player. Sky Sports Scotland reported that the Edinburgh club are “working on” a deal to sign Matondo, suggesting that discussions have progressed beyond the initial trial stage.

The winger appears to have made a strong impression during his short period with the club. He scored twice and also registered two assists across two bounce matches, giving the Hibs coaching staff plenty of encouragement regarding what he could potentially offer.

For Matondo, the proposed move would represent a return to the country where he spent the last several years of his career. Although his time at Rangers was affected by injuries and competition for places, he made 70 appearances during a four-year spell at Ibrox.

Matondo departed Rangers in March, bringing an end to his lengthy association with the Glasgow club. His next destination was Norway, where he joined Brann in an attempt to begin another chapter of his career.

However, the move did not develop as expected. Matondo managed just three appearances for Brann before his contract with the Norwegian club was terminated near the end of the summer transfer window.

That left the winger searching for another club, eventually leading him to Hibernian. Rather than immediately committing to a permanent deal, Matondo has spent the past few weeks training with Hibs as a trialist, allowing the club to assess his fitness, ability and suitability for Reedijk’s plans.

The trial period now appears to have gone positively, with his performances in the two bounce matches standing out. Two goals and two assists in those games have provided a clear indication that the former Rangers winger still possesses the attacking qualities that could make him a valuable addition.

Hibernian are believed to be working towards finalising an agreement with the free agent. Should a deal be completed, Matondo would return to Scottish football only months after leaving Rangers.

The move would also give him an opportunity to prove himself again in a league he already knows well. Having spent four years playing in Scotland with Rangers, he would not face the same level of adaptation that comes with moving to an entirely unfamiliar country or competition.

For Hibs, signing Matondo could provide additional attacking options under Reedijk. The club have already had the opportunity to observe him closely during his trial, while his performances in the bounce matches appear to have strengthened the case for offering him a contract.

His experience at Rangers and international level could also provide useful depth within the squad. Matondo has represented Wales and has played football at several levels during his career, giving him an understanding of the demands associated with senior professional football.

There are still details to be resolved before the transfer can be considered complete, but the latest report suggests that Hibernian are serious about getting a deal over the line.

The winger’s current free-agent status makes the move possible without Hibs having to negotiate a transfer fee with another club. That could make Matondo an appealing option for the Edinburgh side if they believe his recent performances demonstrate that he can contribute immediately.

For Matondo, meanwhile, the opportunity could be an important one. His brief spell at Brann did not work out, and leaving Rangers earlier this year brought an end to a significant chapter of his career.

A move to Hibernian would allow him to remain in Scotland while giving him the chance to establish himself at another Premiership club.

The winger will now be hoping that the positive impressions created during his trial can lead to a permanent agreement. His two goals and two assists have certainly given Hibs plenty to consider, and the club are reportedly working towards completing the move.

If an agreement is reached, Matondo will return to Scottish football more than six months after leaving Rangers, but this time with an opportunity to start afresh at Easter Road.

For Hibernian, the decision will come down to whether they believe the winger can reproduce the form he showed during his trial when competitive Premiership football begins.

For Matondo, it could be the fresh start he needs.