The Sun journalist Alan Nixon expects Salomon Rondon to stay at Newcastle United this summer, provided Rafa Benitez also extends his stay at St. James’ Park.
The futures of both men are very much up in the air, with Rondon’s loan deal from West Brom coming to an end and Benitez yet to agree terms on a new contract.
The Daily Mail reported earlier in the week that Wolves had opened talks over a potential move for the South American.
But Nixon believes that the Venezuelan will line up on Tyneside next season if his manager signs a new contract.
Writing on his personal Twitter, when asked where he saw Rondon plying his trade next term, he wrote: “Newcastle. If Benitez stays.
“But can see why Wolves would see him as a great option. But would he want to sit on bench?”
Newcastle. If Benitez stays. But can see why Wolves would see him as a great option. But would he want to sit on bench? https://t.co/eLxwCBKI7J
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) May 19, 2019
OPINION
Ultimately, this is what Newcastle fans will have wanted to hear. Rondon has quickly become their talisman, and while losing him wouldn’t necessarily be the end of the world, it would certainly feel like it. Finding a striker who can contribute the 12 goals and seven assists that he did this season, not to mention the general quality of play that he helped cultivate, will be no easy task, and it would be far simpler and safer to stick with what the Toon already know. As Nixon says, you can understand why other clubs would be interested in Rondon, but from his perspective, it would make far more sense for him to stay on Tyneside. He is loved up there, he is guaranteed first team football, and it feels like a move that would benefit both player and club immensely. Only time will tell how this one plays out, but it definitely helps to have figures like Nixon giving their reassuring point of view on things.
