Newcastle United have maintained their top-flight status for a second successive season under Rafael Benitez. But the Spaniard is yet to extend his stay at St James’ Park beyond this month, and the takeover discussions have slowed down the transfer negotiations due to obvious reasons.
The Magpies have been linked to an array of new names already early in the window, but no deal has materialised yet despite a few potential summer exits. Salomon Rondon enjoyed a productive loan spell last term from West Bromwich Albion and is now keen on a permanent switch as claimed by The Mirror (18 June, page 48).
The 29-year-old Venezuelan was swapped with Dwight Gayle who headed in the opposite direction, and the Baggies’ failure to grab a Premier League return should boost the Tynesiders in their quest to tie down Rondon to a long-term contract. The player has reportedly told his friends that he aspires to return to Newcastle next campaign amid interest from Wolves, Marseille, as well as West Ham United. The Toon must ensure the same by offloading Gayle to the Hawthorns following his blistering loan stint.
Rondon scored 11 and assisted seven times in 32 league outings, but his numbers are much inferior to Gayle’s 24 goals in 40 Championship appearances. The latter has always been stupendous in the second tier but lacked the sharpness upfront against the top-flight outfits. The big ‘number 9’, on the other hand, has netted 35 times in 140 Premier League fixtures since leaving Zenit Saint Petersburg four years back.
Although his finish and first-touch are below par at times, the Venezuela international is rated for his strength, aerial supremacy, excellent holding attributes and the ability to combine with fellow teammates playing smart one-twos. He offers great work ethics and loves to beat the offside trap with his intelligent runs as well as movements in and around the box.
Rondon is currently representing his nation in the ongoing Copa America 2019 and would want to draw everyone’s attention by scoring a few in the upcoming contests. His game flourished furthermore last season under Benitez’s tactical excellence. The Spaniard did not utilise him as a mere marksman who would only be functional if crosses and long balls are delivered inside the box but instead allowed him to occupy a free role and combine with Ayoze Perez to open up space high up the pitch.
The centre-forward, nevertheless, would turn 30 in September and the Magpies must not invest an astronomical amount in wrapping up a deal for him. Instead, they should concentrate on making the swap deal permanent to serve the purpose for all parties involved.
