OPINION
A lot of being a football fan is pure pragmatism. Whether it’s supporting a rival on the sly to ensure that you’re team make the biggest strides they can on any given weekend or praying that a complete stranger gets out of bed one day and pulls a hamstring, support often comes down to necessity.
That is exactly how Newcastle United fans will be feeling after reading the Chronicle’s latest report on Salomon Rondon.
The Venezuelan has been an absolute lifesaver for the Magpies so far this campaign, chipping in with eight goals and bringing a standard of hold up play that the Geordies haven’t seen for several years.
As such, it is understandable that the Toon Army are keen to keep hold of the striker beyond the end of his loan spell from West Brom, but that could be made a whole lot easier or harder depending on the Baggies’ fortunes towards the end of this campaign.
West Brom are currently fourth in the Championship table, nine points off leaders Norwich City and seven off second-placed Leeds United.
According to the Chronicle, the price being demanded for the striker could vary depending on whether or not Albion can force their way back into the top flight.
As the report suggests, if West Brom are forced to spend another year in the second tier then their asking price will be around the £16.5 million being widely mooted.
Should they manage to find a way out, however, then that fee could be significantly greater.
Nobody likes to see suffering for suffering’s sake, but the Magpies will be hoping and praying that the Baggies fall apart.
