OPINION
The Salomon Rondon situation is one that has caused much consternation amongst the Toon Army, who are hugely keen for him to be brought in on a permanent basis.
The 29-year-old scooped the club’s Player of the Season award after an excellent campaign on loan at St James’ Park, but there are doubts over whether the club want to commit to him on a full-time basis.
The Magpies learned how much they will need to spend to bring him in this summer on Wednesday, when the Daily Mirror reported that the Venezuelan international will cost them £16.5million.
There was also a warning in the Mirror’s piece, which said that Newcastle have been urged to wrap up a deal for Rondon quickly or face serious competition for him.
That’s not an empty threat, it can’t be after the season Rondon had on Tyneside. It would be a major surprise if there weren’t several teams exploring the possibility of bringing him in if the Magpies take too long making their minds up.
We all know that Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez loves the striker and is hugely keen to sign him permanently, but the club’s hierarchy are hesitant to shell out big money on someone who will be 30 years of age in September.
Both points of view make sense, but after what Rondon achieved this term it would be criminal to allow him to walk out the St James’ Park exit door.
The club need to act quick and make their mind up on the West Bromwich Albion star or they will lose out on their Player of the Season – it’s as simple as that.
