Newcastle United are searching for a quality striker this summer and Salomon Rondon is on the club’s radar.
The Magpies’ primary objective this summer is to purchase a top striker who can score in double-digit figures next season. Newcastle United struggled when it came to scoring goals during the 2017-18 campaign as Dwight Gayle and Joselu combined for a mere nine goals.
Despite their offensive woes, the Magpies managed to conclude the season in the top half of the table. However, Rafa Benitez has made it clear that he does not want to experience the same offensive inefficiency in the future.
With that being said, it is being reported that Tyneside appears to be a likely destination for West Brom’s Salomon Rondon. Back in April, I wrote an article advocating for the Magpies to pursue Rondon and now it looks like that may be happening.
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Several reports also claim that Newcastle are key contenders for signing Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United. If Newcastle does have a strong chance of bringing in the talented striker, then he should be a top priority. Regardless of what happens with Rashford, the Magpies would be wise to invest in Salomon Rondon.
12 to 14 Goals
If Rondon can stay healthy and maintain high levels of confidence, he could score at least 12 goals for Newcastle. Rondon would blossom under the 4-2-3-1 tactics that Benitez so often deploys on the pitch. The extra assistance from five midfielders would enable Rondon to utilize more field space to take multiple shots in matches.
Rondon has made 108 Premier League appearances with West Brom and this is a key pull factor for Newcastle. Rondon’s extensive experience in England is a major reason why he is at the top of Benitez’s list this summer.
Since joining West Brom in 2015, the Venezuelan international has scored 24 goals, which means Rondon has averaged eight goals a season. Benitez is looking for a striker who can score between ten and 15 goals for the Magpies. Rondon could definitely reach that goal tally with Newcastle as his supporting cast would be much improved.
In addition, it also worth mentioning that Newcastle have the money to bring Rondon to Tyneside. With a release clause of £16.5 million, Rondon is available at an inexpensive price when compared to other strikers.
Rondon and Rashford?
Newcastle are linked to both Salomon Rondon and Marcus Rashford. Newcastle would be fortunate to land one of the strikers, but if the Magpies signed Rondon and Rashford they would be a dangerous side. Seeing the lack of urgency in the off-season thus far, however, makes it unlikely that Newcastle will land both strikers.
The Magpies’ primary target should be Marcus Rashford as he is one of the best strikers in England. However, Rondon is also a great striker to have on the roster and the Magpies would benefit from his services on the front line.