According to Chronicle Live, speculations about Salomon Rondon’s future at Newcastle United could soon conclude. The manager Rafa Benitez is set to ask about the permanent signing of Rondon when the Spaniard hold talks with club owner Mike Ashley this week.
Rondon has been awarded Newcastle’s player of the season award following a tremendous campaign. The forward is also quite happy with his performance and has voiced his ambition of staying at the club beyond this season. But, his future at St. James’ Park hangs in the balance due to the growing uncertainties over the club’s future.
Rondon’s excellent season at Newcastle United
After moving from West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan deal last summer, Rondon has been a revelation at Newcastle. His incredible work-ethic and unrivalled commitment have tuned in well with the club’s ethos, with the Venezuelan international netting in 11 goals this season.
Rondon has been involved in 18 goals, which is over 40% of what Newcastle United have managed as a whole in the Premier League this season. That is quite an accomplishment for any striker in the world.
But, aside from offering productivity in the final third, Rondon has also created a bunch of opportunities for his teammates. His intelligent runs and impressive hold-up play in the final third have helped him open up spaces for the other attackers. Ayoze Perez, in particular, has benefitted from Rondon’s work-rate. As a result, the Spaniard has ended the season as Newcastle’s top scorer with 12 league goals.
Why should Newcastle retain the services of Rondon next season?
With growing insecurities over Benitez’s future at the club, Newcastle United should brace themselves for a tough season ahead. However, acquiring the services of Rondon will help them retain the original core of the team. And considering how well the Venezuelan has integrated himself into Newcastle’s offensive game, he looks like a tailor-made fit for the Magpies.
As iterated earlier, his physical prowess coupled with his commitment and work-ethic could allow the attackers to find more spaces in the final third. Most importantly, it will also make the team much more dangerous on the counter-attack.
That said, the Magpies will be hoping for West Bromwich Albion to lose against Aston Villa in the Championship playoff. Their elimination from the promotion play-off will slash Rondon’s price-tag – making him more affordable. It will be interesting to see how this transfer saga takes shape in the coming week. But until then, Rondon seems like a victim to the cloud of uncertainty hanging over Newcastle United right now.
