Multiple teams in the Premier League are after Salomon Rondon, but the Venezuelan striker should still choose Newcastle United despite the departure of Rafa Benitez.
Salomon Rondon’s services are being pursued by multiple clubs around Europe and this includes three Premier League sides – Newcastle United, West Ham and Wolverhampton. Rondon played for Newcastle United last season as a loanee from West Brom and the Venezuelan international scored 11 league goals and provided seven assists. His stellar form with the Magpies last season earned him the club’s Player of the Year award and has attracted the attention of other teams.
Seeing that Rondon was Rafa Benitez’s top transfer target, and seeing that Rondon will turn 30-years-old next season, it was believed that the club’s top officials would not pursue a permanent deal for Rondon. However, new reports from yesterday claim that Newcastle United have made a £9.4M offer to West Brom, but that bid, which falls way short of the Baggies’ asking price, was rejected. Wolves have expressed interest in Rondon and West Ham already made a £10M bid for him, but that was rejected as well.
That being said, one thing is clear – West Brom will not get £16.5M for Rondon. Instead, it looks like he is valued more at £12M or £13M. Newcastle United should go back in with another offer because paying less than £15M for a striker of his caliber is an absolute steal. If the Toon do in fact improve their offer and West Brom accepts, Rondon should agree to the move for two key reasons.
Main Striker at Newcastle United
When comparing the three team sheets between Newcastle United, West Ham and Wolverhampton, it is a no-brainer that Rondon should come back to St. James’ Park. Like last season, Rondon would undoubtedly be the club’s primary striker ahead of Dwight Gayle and Yoshinori Muto – two strikers who have much to prove this summer. If Rondon chose either West Ham or Wolverhampton he would spend the majority of the season fighting for playing time. He would solely be used to provide more depth and internal competition for players like Marko Arnautovic and Raul Jimenez. He does not have to worry about that at Newcastle United.
Team Chemistry
Having played for Newcastle United last season, Rondon has developed close relations and positive chemistry with his supporting cast in midfield. Rondon is a target man who cannot really create chances for himself, but players like Miguel Almiron and Matt Ritchie know where he wants the ball and when to deliver it to him. Last season was the best statistical season of Rondon’s Premier League career because his midfielders constantly provided support and fed him with great assists. It is true that he would receive similar support at West Ham and Wolverhampton, but the partnership has already been developed on Tyneside.