Three reasons Newcastle should up their pursuit of West Brom’s Rondon

Benitez looking to boost his strikeforce

The latest reports suggest Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has his sights set on a summer signing up front, in the form of West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon.

Time will tell whether this deal gets over the line, but the Coral News Team think it could be a fine piece of business for the Magpies. Here’s why…

He’s Premier League proven

Despite enduring paltry service up front for the Baggies, the powerful Venezuelan has still reached double figures in two of his three seasons at The Hawthorns.

In terms of goals and assists, he actually played a direct part in 32% of all of their Premier League goals last term.

In a team with more creativity, the 28-year-old would spend less time simply holding up the ball, and more creating chances and setting his sights on goal.

Could work well with Mitro

Whilst Mitrovic and Rondon both boast an aerial presence up front, that’s where the similarities end.

The Serbian has pace and tenacity on his side, but it’s Rondon who has the poacher’s instinct. Despite feeding from scraps at West Brom, he’s gobbled up close-range chances time and again. It isn’t pretty, but it’s effective.

Right now, that instinct is something Newcastle lack up front. So too the cool-headed composure that produced goals like Rondon’s memorable 2016 winner against Manchester United.

He’s a steal in the current market

In the current transfer market, with fees of £20m+ being bandied around for some pretty unspectacular players – Rondon’s release clause makes him a real bargain.