Salomon Rondon is a top performer for Venezuelan national team (Getty Images)
According to the Mirror, Dalian Professional striker Salomon Rondon has expressed his desire to return to Newcastle United and play for them once again.
Rondon, 30, came through the ranks of Aragua FC’s youth system and played in La Liga for a few years before moving to Russia. After three productive seasons in the Premier Liga, he moved to England with West Brom. He then featured for Newcastle United on loan for a year and enjoyed a brilliant 2018/19 campaign under Rafa Benitez.
He has once again teamed up with Benitez in China and has been at his best for Dalian Professional. Though Rondon has not been a prolific goalscorer, he has been a decent player wherever he has gone. Thus, Newcastle United should make a move for him at the earliest.
The Magpies, meanwhile, have endured a frustrating campaign so far despite staying within the top half of the table until Christmas. Steve Bruce’s men have been inconsistent throughout the campaign and their performances have taken a hit in the latter stages of the game.
After just 2 wins out of their last 11 league games, Newcastle are currently 13th in the league table. They have also been dumped out of the Carabao Cup and their only hope of silverware is the FA Cup competition.
One of the chief reasons for their disappointing spell is the lack of consistency in front of goal. They have failed to live up to the standards of the Premier League. Thus, the manager should bring in reinforcements to the squad after their on-going takeover situation comes to an end.
Joelinton, Andy Carroll, Yoshinori Muto and Dwight Gayle are the four centre-forwards available at the manager’s disposal. And all four of them have failed miserably. The Magpies have scored just 25 goals so far which is the lowest in the league this term.
The Brazilian was signed in the summer but he has failed to live up to the expectations, scoring just 1 goal in 29 games. Carroll, Muto and Gayle are yet to open the league as they have not been supportive enough.
Hence, signing Rondon would help the club bolster their attacking unit. The Venezuelan has made nearly 400 career appearances, whilst also featuring in 81 games for his country. He would definitely bring in a wealth of experience to Bruce’s squad.
In his single season with the Magpies, Rondon scored 11 goals in 32 league games and was successful in his time at St. James’ Park. And if he is able to replicate the same form, he would be a valuable member for the club, especially given Newcastle’s poor attacking unit.
At 30, Rondon may not be a long-term solution but he is capable of playing at a higher level for a few more years. And given the Magpies’ lack of quality upfront, they need to bring in an experienced player. Thus, they should manage to secure the services of the Venezuela international this summer.