Why Salomon Rondon could be the answer to Newcastle’s attacking woes
Rafa Benitez must aim to take Newcastle United to new heights next season after the club successfully retained their position in the Premier League. The Magpies are currently in Ireland for a week-long pre-season training session before their first friendly clash next week.
The former Liverpool manager has been working on a strict budget since taking the job at St. James’ Park. Benitez must spend his money wisely or it will be hard for the Magpies to cope next season. After all, newly-promotion clubs like Fulham have completed deals for Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand.
The club have been linked with West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon. Benitez is reportedly interested in signing the Venezuelan hitman who was relegated with the Baggies last season. Rondon reportedly possesses a £16.5million release clause in his contract and that could be the key to his signature. Newcastle United will offer him a way out of the Championship next season and Benitez could use that element to lure him to St. James’ Park.
Rondon was one of the Baggies’ few shining lights in an otherwise dismal campaign which saw the club finish 20th in the league. West Bromwich faced the drop after being able to muster a measly 31 points in 38 games. Rondon joined the club from Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2015 and has gone on to make a total of 108 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring 24 goals and providing 7 assists.
His bullish aggressive approach on the ball makes it hard for defenders to get a hold of him. Rondon is a physically strong striker whose direct runs pose a huge threat for opposition defenders. He has an excellent work ethic and never-say-die attitude on the field. West Brom often relied on their Venezuelan hitman in times of need and he’d answer them with a goal.
The 28-year-old made a total of 32 appearances in the league last season, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists in that time. He also scored 2 goals in the FA Cup and 1 goal in the League Cup. Rondon is a deadly striker with clinical finishing qualities from inside the box. He’s also strong in the air and poses a huge aerial threat from set-pieces.
Read more: Why this 12-goal Bundesliga hit could be the answer to Newcastle’s goalscoring woes
Hence, Salomon Rondon would considerably strengthen the Magpies’ offensive setup. Rondon would be a brilliant signing for a relatively low fee in an otherwise ever-expanding market. Benitez should use his tight budget as wisely as possible and make a move for the Venezuelan who could help them finish higher next season.