Rabbi Matondo set to be next talented youngster to move to Germany, confirms Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has hailed Manchester City’s youth system as Welsh youngster Rabbi Matondo nears an £11million move to Bundesliga side Schalke.

Etihad chiefs had been hopeful of securing a new deal for the 18-year-old – but the academy graduate rejected the offer in order to seek more playing time abroad.

It now appears the teenager will be moving to the Veltins Arena to play for Die Konigsblauen – City’s next Champions League opponents.

Matondo now follows his former team-mate Jadon Sancho and Arsenal’s on-loan forward Reiss Nelson by moving to Germany –  where he will hope to replicate their extraordinary success away from England’s top flight.

Only Lionel Messi and Eden Hazard have more assists than Sancho this season.

And Matondo is not the first youngster to depart the Manchester club this month.

City parted ways with Brahim Diaz earlier this month after he sealed a £22m move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Speaking in his press conference on Monday, Guardiola praised the academy for continually producing fantastic talents.

When asked about Matondo’s transfer, Guardiola he said: “They are interested in another young player.

“I know how good he is, incredibly fast winger, and a young talent. This club is working so good.”

When Matondo seals the move to the Bundesliga side, it will mean Manchester City have accumulated close to £150million on the sales of homegrown talent since the summer of 2017.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s move £25million move to Leicester has been the most financially rewarding business for the club, but other notable departures include Angus Gunn to Southampton and Jason Denayer to Lyon.