Rafa Benitez has suggested that there could be a decision made on the future of Newcastle United loanee Salomon Rondon within the next few weeks.
Rondon has been a key performer for Newcastle this season, after joining on loan from West Bromwich Albion, with the striker scoring ten Premier League goals for Benitez’s side as the Magpies moved clear of relegation danger.
There have been reports that Rondon wants to make his move permanent this summer, according to the Daily Mail, and Benitez has now revealed that the Venezuelan’s future could be decided within the next few weeks.
“I talk with him everyday and obviously everyone is really pleased because he was a key player for us in our achievements,” Benitez said ahead of Newcastle’s game against Fulham, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“It’s very easy to say that we should sign him, but we have to see what happens with me, obviously he has to wait for his situation with West Bromwich Albion, so we will have to see in the next couple of weeks.”
OPINION
Benitez’s comments about Rondon’s situation will have done little to clarify the situation, with the Venezuelan reportedly keen to make his move permanent. Rondon’s parent club West Brom are contesting the Championship play-offs and will be concentrating on that at the moment rather than looking to sanction any moves away from the club. Newcastle meanwhile will be needing to sort their situation with Benitez out and establish whether the Spaniard will still be in charge at St James’ Park at the start of next season. Rondon appears to have built up a good relationship with Benitez and so his future could well depend on whatever the Spaniard intends to do at the end of the campaign. Newcastle supporters will be hopeful that both are at the club when the Premier League season gets under way again in August. Rondon has been an excellent performer for the club this season and if they can make his move permanent he could be a big player for them next season.
