Newcastle United are stretched thin in their attacking lineup and are in desperate need for a striker. West Brom’s Salomon Rondon was high on their summer wishlist but might just be out of Rafael Benitez’s grasps. The Magpies boss is not affluent in the transfer market with Mike Ashley owning Tyneside outfit whereas Rondon’s release clause alone is worth £16.5m.
The Baggies might stay firm on that amount with interests rising from other Premier League outfits. Rondon is one of the most talented number nines who is far too good for the Championship.
The Venezuelan forward would have been an ideal fit into Benitez’s system. Dwight Gayle only secured 5 goals for the Magpies last term after helping the team win back promotion to the English top-flight.
If it were not for Ayoze Perez, the Magpies might not have finished any closer to the 10th spot as they did this past season. Rondon’s scoring eye along with his poacher like instincts would have helped Newcastle United move further up the points table in the 2018/19 season. However, since Newcastle are set to miss out on his services, here are a few names Benitez should consider.
Abel Hernandez
The Hull City striker has run out of a contract with the Championship outfit himself and is being targeted by Cardiff City and Leeds United. We have seen Hernandez take the pitch in both the second division and the Premier League before. He knows how to hold up the game and link up with his teammates. Other than the traditional duties of a centre-forward, he is also capable of taking on opposition defenders on the run and scoring from distance.
After recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, Hernandez came back strong with an 8-goal showing in his 10 appearances. Newcastle will be able to afford his wage demands since he will be a free agent at the end of this month.
Danny Ings
The Liverpool forward’s career at Anfield has been not been enjoyable to watch. Diseased with injuries and a regular struggle to find his shooting boots, Danny Ings is nothing more than a rotational option for Jurgen Klopp, recording just over a 1000 minutes of playing time this past season.
Read More: Newcastle United Linked With A Move For 26 Y/O Swansea City Forward: Right Man For Benitez?
Saido Berahino
The Englishman has struck out with Stoke City but still has a lot of potential at 24. Maybe a change in climate will help find his way back to his West Brom days.
