OPINION
If there’s on thing they love on Tyneside, it’s a good number nine – a striker capable of carrying a side on his shoulders, and of winning matches single-handedly with an errant piece of magic or a bolt from the blue. Sadly, those kind of players don’t grow on trees, and it had been a while since Newcastle United had one until last season. Then, out of nowhere, Salomon Rondon rocked up on loan from West Brom, and made himself into an instant hero amongst the Geordie faithful. 11 Premier League goals, seven assists, 2.8 shots on goal per game, and 4.6 aerial duels won per match [Whoscored], he was the live wire, handful of a forward that the Toon Army had been crying out for. There were hopes of him perhaps returning to the north east again next season, but from the moment that Rafa Benitez’s departure was confirmed, that has looked almost impossible. And now, just to rub salt into sore wounds, it appears that the Venezuelan could be destined for a reunion with Spaniard after all, with Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas claiming that a deal has been struck with Benitez’s new club, Dalian Yifang, to take him to China. At this stage, Newcastle fans must be so apathetic that this latest development is almost laughable.
Nothing but Newcastle have gathered some of the best tweets below:
