Why Newcastle are the winners in the Gayle-Rondon swap deal
Rafa Benitez has worked with a tight budget at Newcastle United ever since he took charge of them. The Tyneside club have been short on funds and have struggled to land a number of targets. The Magpies brought in a couple of signings to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign.
But Benitez completed a massive deal before the deadline day. West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon joined the Magpies on a swap deal which saw Dwight Gayle go the other way. Both players are on loan spells at the respective clubs. (BBC)
The Magpies often struggled to threaten in the final third last season and Salomon Rondon could be the answer to their prayers. It’s definitely Newcastle United who have landed the better deal.
The Venezuelan hitman is deadly in front of goal and is a fine finisher in the six-yard box. His bullish approach makes it very hard for defenders to take the ball off him. Rondon is a proven Premier League goalscorer while Dwight Gayle has often found it hard remain consistent.
The forward is also very strong in the air, posing a huge threat during set-pieces. This means that the likes of Matt Ritchie and Kenedy have a new target to look for in the box. In his time at the Hawthorns, Rondon used his towering presence to dominate defenders.
The 28-year-old made a total of 36 league appearances last season, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists. Playing as a lone forward, Rondon was one of the shining lights for the Baggies in an otherwise dismal campaign that saw the club get relegated to the Championship.
Rondon would suit Newcastle United’s style of play under Rafa Benitez. The striker is fast on the ball, dominant in the air and links up well with his teammates. Newcastle United like to attack on the counter and Rondon is excellent at holding up the play in the final third.
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It’s Newcastle who have surely snapped up the better player. However, West Brom have landed a proven Championship scorer themselves. With the arrival of Rondon, Rafa Benitez has concluded the transfer window on a positive note.