Rafa nabs Rondon to reshuffle his attack
Unfair to rush Foden into Southgate’s set-up says Walker
RONDON: New star in Toon stripes SALOMON RONDON will be tasked with helping to lead Newcastle’s attack after Rafa Benitez reshuffled his frontline on the eve of the new season.
The Venezuelan striker, who scored 10 goals for West Brom last term, has moved to Tyneside on loan with Dwight Gayle going the other way.
Newcastle backed away from buying the 28-year-old when a £16.5million release clause was active but have instead paid a loan fee of £2m.
Rondon said: “I’m focused on the season to help my teammates to get the points to do well. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and I knew about the interest of the gaffer, so I’m happy to be here.”
Manager Benitez said: “When we were looking for options up front, we knew how important experience would be. Salomon has been in the Premier League for a while and he knows how demanding it is.”
Benitez now wants to complete a deal for PSG left-back Stanley N’Soki. The 19-year-old is available for about £9m but a price has not been agreed yet. Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico is also on his radar.
Newcastle are about £26m in profit so far this summer, with fans demanding the surplus is spent. Benitez arguably has a slightly stronger squad than last term, and one that should survive, but the manager wants more with Florian Lejeune’s season-long knee injury a huge setback.
Japan striker Yoshi Muto is one new face and yesterday revealed he turned down Chelsea three years ago. He said: “I didn’t feel that I was ready to play in the Premier League. During these three years my physical and mental strength improved and Newcastle recognised this.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle players have spurned a photo session for Sky Sports and BT Sports as part of their row with the club over bonuses. Owner Mike Ashley is refusing to pay an FA Cup bonus and is locked in a dispute over cash for the team’s finishing position in the league table, with the stand-off leaving the club facing a Premier League fine. GAYLE: Switch REPORTS have another player with his talent. He is a Manchester City fan, he is a Mancunian so that’s why, for us, it is so good.”
Foden drew plaudits from a number of former players, including Rio Ferdinand, who said: “He was the standout. There are some good young players coming in, having an effect, it’s going to be a big season.
“He has confirmed to the manager that he is ready, he has the ability and intelligence to be in this side. Guardiola spoke of how impressed he is with his young star and said ‘the fact that he is a Manchester City fan through-and-through is great for us’. “He is smiling, interacting with his more senior team-mates, they are comfortable with him and him with them.
“Now he seems ready for the first team and to play more minutes.”