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2018-19 Newcastle United player evaluation: Salomon Rondon

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Salomon Rondon of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on May 04, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Salomon Rondon of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on May 04, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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If only every loan worked out as well as Salomon Rondon’s to Newcastle United…

Last summer, Newcastle United were desperate to add a Premier League-quality striker for the 2018-19 season. After some delay, they were able to bring in Salomon Rondon on loan from West Bromwich Albion, in exchange for Dwight Gayle. Overcoming some early season lack of fitness and injuries, Rondon would go on to score goals and set the standard up top for the Magpies, earning NUFC Player of the Year honors. Will he be signed long term or head back to the Baggies? We look at his future and reflect on a strong season at Tyneside.

(Loan players will be categorized by us as either Sign This Man or Let Him Go)

2018-19 Premier League stats: 32 appearances, 11 goals, seven assists, 33% shooting accuracy

Durim Halimi

“We want you to stay, we want you to stay, Salomon Rondon, we want you to stay!” I think it is quite obvious where I am going with this. Rondon had the best season of his Premier League career with Newcastle United after scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists to his teammates, primarily Ayoze Perez. In addition to having a meaningful impact on the stat sheet, Rondon showed that he is a true striker who knows how to hold the ball up under pressure and knows when to call for the ball.

Moreover, the Venezuelan international looks like David Beckham when he curls free-kicks aimed at the frame of the goal. It has been a few years since Newcastle United had a dynamic, reliable number nine up top and Rondon has a few more solid years of football left in him.  I definitely think he is worthy of a permanent contract with the Magpies. Make it happen, Mike!

2019-20 NUFC Outlook: Sign This Man

Carson A. Merk

Salomon Rondon was everything I had hoped for and more. I was familiar with him from his previous Premier League resume and expected a powerful force to deal with up top. He was just that, a nightmare for center backs when he put his back against them and held up play, but he also showcased a true playmaking eye in the final third when he wasn’t scoring himself.

For me, it’s a no-brainer to bring him back. The price tag should not be astronomical and West Brom can keep Gayle and Jacob Murphy if they would like. I understand that Rondon is not in the age range that Mike Ashley prefers and he will likely never score 20 goals in a season, but he can consistently score you double-digit goals and work his tail off every match.

2019-20 NUFC Outlook: Sign This Man