West Ham opinion: Should the Hammers sign Salomon Rondon?
According to a report from the Daily Star, West Ham are preparing a formal bid to sign West Brom star Salomon Rondon in the coming days.
The Venezuelan has had an incredible campaign on loan at Newcastle United, which has made him an attractive option for fellow Premier League sides.
West Brom blew their chances of a return to the Premier League after a loss to Aston Villa in the playoff semi-final. Their status as a Championship club has activated a clause on Rondon’s contract, which makes him available for just £16.5million in the summer.
The report reveals that Newcastle United will not come to a decision until the future of their manager is confirmed. Rafa Benitez is yet to agree to a new deal at the club and Newcastle may have to find his successor if an agreement cannot be reached soon.
This has opened the door for West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini, who according to the report has instructed his recruitment team to pursue Rondon.
The report also reveals that fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers are keeping tabs on Rondon as well but West Ham should and must beat them to acquire the Venezuelan’s services in the coming days.
Rondon has been a star at St. James’ Park this season, having scored 11 times and provided 7 assists in the Premier League. The 29-year-old’s strength and power up front have made a huge difference in Newcastle’s season and he was instrumental in helping them to safety.
West Ham, on the other hand, had an up and down campaign which saw them finish 10th in the league. Marko Arnautovic’s huge transfer saga in January dented his form while former Arsenal forward Lucas Perez has been a disappointment since moving to the Olympic Stadium.
The Hammers desperately need a new centre-forward to have any chance of making it to the Europa League next season and Rondon would be a phenomenal addition to their squad next season.
The Venezuelan’s ability to hold up the ball will bring the likes of Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko to play on either wing and they can make a huge impact in the attack when given space.
Rondon is a fair finisher himself and he can expect better service at West Ham than he received at Tyneside, which will help him improve his tally next season.
His aerial threat will be highly beneficial in both boxes and the Hammers will have an out and out striker who they can rely upon next season.
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Conclusion
After the kind of season Rondon has had in the Premier League, it is a no-brainer for any mid-table club to make a move for him this summer.
His release clause is fairly cheap in today’s market standards and West Ham shouldn’t have any second thoughts about bringing him in.