According to a recent report by the Daily Mirror, West Bromwich Albion have declined a £10m cash plus players deal from West Ham United for their Venezuelan forward Salomon Rondon this summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Hammers will face stiff competition from Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in pursuit of the £16.5m-rated South American striker in this off-season.
Rondon’s Productive Loan Spell At St. James’ Park
Rondon had a fruitful campaign on loan at Newcastle last season where he became a fan-favourite after putting in a series of match-winning displays for them in the Premier League. However, he has now gone back to the Hawthorns where he still has a year left to run in his contract.
The 29-year-old scored 12 times and created seven assists in 33 matches for the Magpies last season across all competitions. His goal-scoring contribution was one of the primary reasons why Newcastle managed to avoid getting themselves involved in a relegation dogfight in the previous campaign.
Rondon has also got a wealth of experience at the international level having made 77 appearances for Venezuela while scoring 24 goals for them thus far. At 29, the Baggies forward still has a few years left in him to play at a high level so Manuel Pellegrini should not give up his pursuit of the striker just yet.
What Will The Venezuelan Talent Add To Pellegrini’s Side?
Rondon is a natural goal-scorer inside the opposition penalty box as he tends to finish off chances when they present itself. The South American goal-getter still has enough pace in his locker to run behind the opposition backline and wreak havoc in the final third. He is also quite unselfish and tends to set-up his teammates when they are in space.
What Should Be Pellegrini’s Play Here?
The Venezuelan striker will be an ideal signing for West Ham as he would provide more competition for Marko Arnautovic for a place up top in Pellegrini’s starting XI. Hence, the Hammers would be foolish to give up on him without trying to persuade West Brom with another bid.
It would be a clever move for them even if the East London outfit has to match the Baggies’ £16.5m valuation of the player ahead of the new campaign.
