Kenyan midfielder's future at Ligue 1 giants Monaco looks bleak as he holds talks with Austrian side

Kenyan midfielder's future at Ligue 1 giants Monaco looks bleak as he holds talks with Austrian side

Mark Kinyanjui 13:19 - 25.08.2024

The Belgium U-21 international who is eligible to represent Kenya at the international level was left out of Monaco's victory against Lyon amidst talks over a move to Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.

Harambee Stars prospect Eliot Matazo's future at AS Monaco appears increasingly uncertain after being excluded from the squad for their recent Ligue 1 victory against Lyon, where they secured a 2-0 win. 

Matazo, who spent the latter half of the previous season on loan at Belgian club Royal Antwerp, has seen his playing time diminish significantly over the past two years under manager Adi Hutter, despite participating in pre-season preparations.

According to reports from Le Parisien, Red Bull Salzburg has entered negotiations to acquire the 22-year-old Monaco midfielder, with interest also emerging from clubs in Spain and Germany.

 Monaco's midfield has already seen departures this summer, including Mohamed Camara and Félix Lemarechal, who joined RC Strasbourg Alsace. Youssouf Fofana is reportedly close to sealing a move to AC Milan, and Matazo could be the next player to leave the principality.

Matazo, whose father is Congolese and mother hails from the Nyanza region, has represented Belgium at various youth levels, including U16, U18, U20, and U21. A potential move could reignite his career, offering him the chance to establish himself at a new club.

The young midfielder was involved in a tragic incident in April when he was caught up in a fatal road accident that claimed the life of an elderly cyclist.

 The crash, as reported by the Daily Mail, was deemed unavoidable after the 85-year-old cyclist ran a red light.

Despite the challenges, Matazo expressed his enthusiasm for representing Belgium. In an interview, the physically imposing defensive midfielder shared his positive experiences with the Belgium U21 team, stating: "I feel good in that environment. Each time that I go on duty with the U21s, I take on a bit more responsibility, and I feel that from the coach as well. We have a good generation, a good group that gels well, and I love going there. I feel good there, and I’m happy to be there."

As the summer transfer window progresses, Matazo will be hoping that a move to a new club can provide the platform needed to reignite his career and continue his development as a promising footballer.