OPINION
Newcastle United have missed the boat when it comes to being able to realistically afford to purchase West Bromwich Albion forward Salomon Rondon.
The Magpies have consistently been linked to the 6ft 1in tall attacker (Transfermarkt) throughout the summer but have failed to get a deal done.
The Express & Star reported on Thursday that Rondon’s £16.5million release clause in his contract had expired and this meant that the Championship side could now demand more for his services.
The local newspaper claimed that the Magpies have never attempted to purchase the forward this summer, despite his seemingly achievable price tag, and opted to try to secure his services on loan instead.
It is believed that WBA were only willing to sanction a temporary exit for Rondon if Gayle was loaned to them in return but talks over that potential deal have stalled.
Following the Express & Star’s report, the Daily Mirror’s Liver Transfer Blog (Thursday August 2, 16:03) stated that the Baggies were now likely to hike their player’s price tag and demand £25million for him.
Given the inflated prices that currently are being accepted as normal in the transfer market then there might even be a willing party who would pay that, however based on the Magpies’ track record it’s unlikely to be them.
Especially as all they had to do previously was stump up £16.5million, as reported by the Express & Star, in order to get Rondon’s services this summer.
The Venezuelan forward may not be the most lethal of finishers but after scoring 24 goals in 108 Premier League appearances, he was an easy option for the Magpies to take in their hunt to boost their attacking threat in England’s top-flight in the upcoming season.
Normally a player that is proven in the Premier League demands a higher price and given that the Magpies had an opportunity to seal a deal for Rondon by paying £16.5million then they have missed a trick by not getting a deal done.
