OPINION
We all know by now that Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez wants to keep loan star Salomon Rondon, but the club must now get a move on or risk missing out on the West Bromwich Albion star.
That’s because Turkish outlet Takvim reported on Wednesday that European giants Fenerbahce have opened talks with the player’s agent ahead of a potential summer move.
The Chronicle reported on Thursday that the Magpies will be given every chance to sign the Venezuelan due to his desire to remain on Tyneside after his fantastic loan spell this season. However, they surely need to get their act together or they will lose the Rondon race.
The 29-year-old enjoyed a phenomenal campaign on loan with Benitez’s team, winning the team’s Player of the Season gong, but he doesn’t quite fit in with the club’s usual youth-directed recruitment policy.
He’d be a key signing, though; a wonderful player who elevated the Magpies attack this term. The problem is that other teams have picked up on that, too, and are already making their move. Clearly Fenerbahce want him and they are going directly to his agent to try and get a deal done.
Newcastle, at this rate, are going to be left behind. They can’t really go in for the striker until the uncertainty surrounding the club’s, and the manager’s, future is sorted out. Until that happens, Rondon won’t be signed.
In the meantime, though, he could wind up representing Fenerbahce. That is surely a big worry for the Toon Army, who will be desperate to have Rondon back in a black and white shirt.
