Newcastle United striker Salomon Rondon has given an update on where his future could be next season, with the Venezuelan nearing the end of his season-long loan from West Bromwich Albion.
Rondon has been a key figure at St James’ Park this season, with the Venezuela international’s second half strike in the 3-2 defeat against Liverpool on Saturday, seeing him reach double figures for Premier League goals this season.
Newcastle will need to wait to see whether West Brom manage to secure promotion back to the top flight through the Championship play-offs, before attempting to sign Rondon on a permanent deal. Should West Brom be promoted the Magpies will have to pay a reported sum of £20m to sign him, but if they remain in the Championship the fee needed will drop to £16.5m.
Speaking to the Newcastle Chronicle Rondon said, “”When I arrived here, Newcastle was the first choice, but you never know what happens in football.”
“At the moment, I have to go back to West Brom and wait on whether West Brom get promoted or no.
“But, I say thank you for everything.”
OPINION
Salomon Rondon’s comments about his future reflect what Newcastle supporters will be feeling about the forwards future with the club. The majority of Newcastle fans will be pleased to here the Venezuelan say that remaining at the club next season is his first choice, but they will also be aware that West Brom’s situation regarding whether or not they will be promoted will be a big factor in any deal for Rondon. The Venezuela international has become something of a fan’s favourite during his season-long loan at St James’ Park, where he added some extra firepower to Newcastle’s forward line. Rafa Benitez has managed to get the best out of Rondon, whose powerful physical presence can cause problems for any defence in the Premier League when he is at his best. The partnership that Rondon has formed with Ayoze Perez has been instrumental to Newcastle’s up turn in form towards the end of the season that has seen the Magpies secure their Premier League survival. The pair have both reached double figures in the league this season, becoming the first duo for Newcastle to achieve that feat since Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse in 2012. Newcastle fans will hope Rondon is back at the club next season to keep that partnership flourishing.
