Newcastle United chose not to pursue a permanent deal for West Brom’s Salomon Rondon last summer as it would have cost them around £39million in total, according to Off The Pitch.
The football business website reports, as written by reputable north east journalist Martin Hardy, that the Magpies were reluctant to splash out because of the demands set by both the Baggies and the player, with the £16.5million release clause, which could rise to £25million if the club are promoted from the Championship, only part of the cost.
It is stated that Rondon wanted a five year deal to sign at St James’ Park which would have taken the total spend towards the move to £39million, so Newcastle instead levied a loan swap deal involving Dwight Gayle which cost them around £3million.
Opinion
No wonder Rafael Benitez did not get what he wanted in the form of a permanent deal for Rondon last summer – and if that was the case then, things are hardly going to have changed now. The Venezuelan hitman was obviously looking for some security when it came to his future with the demands of a five year contract and that is understandable for a player pushing 30. It was a good move for Newcastle to get him on board for £3million plus Gayle, but when he is going to cost the club so much in terms of a contract and transfer, you just cannot see him staying on past the summer. He will forever be remembered as a hard worker and a case of what might have been but this is likely to be another one season fling for the Magpies, much like Loic Remy’s loan was a couple of years ago. Rondon will be on his way this summer, there is little doubting that, but everyone would be massively if he ended up returning to St James’ Park.
