Rondon wants to extend his Tyneside stay
SALOMON Rondon has reiterated his desire to stay at Newcastle United beyond the end of the campaign – but admits he is unsure where his long-term future lies.
The 29-year-old has scored four goals and provided two assists for the Magpies, despite an injuryaffected start to life on Tyneside, since signing from West Bromwich Albion on loan during the summer.
That deal saw the Baggies acquire Dwight Gayle for the season as part of the swap, and there have been noises from both West Brom and Newcastle that they would consider making the arrangement permanent.
Magpies manager Rafa Benitez would like to tie Rondon down long term, given that he pushed the United board to activate a £16.5million release clause in the Venezuelan’s contract back in July.
However, the Newcastle hierarchy refused to do so and said they would only sign a player of Rondon’s age on loan, and it remains to be seen whether the mood in the boardroom has changed.
And, while Rondon is unable to control decision-making above at St James’ Park, he recognises that he stands the best chance of winning a permanent deal if he keeps scoring – and wants to reach double figures in the Premier League for the first time.
“Despite the injury I had [earlier in the season], I have been doing quite well and I hope to reach double figures,” Rondon told Spanish outlet Marca.
“Would I like to stay? Yes, of course. I am very grateful for the effort the club made to bring me in, and for the confidence of the coach, and the welcome of the fans. For all these reasons I’d like to continue, but we’ll see what happens.
“I feel really good. I’m really happy here for what we’ve achieved collectively. That’s the important thing.
“We have been in good form and have moved away from the relegation zone. I have done my job by contributing with goals.
“It’s quite a big contrast [to playing for West Brom last season]. The difference in styles between one team and the other is reflected in the play. A striker likes to have chances and to get crosses into the area.
“[Benitez asks me] to work hard and to hold up the ball for the team to come out playing – the things that a No 9 needs to do in the Premier League because of the physical nature of the play.
“He wants that, and for me to make the most of the chances I have in attack.”
HALF WOES...
United aren’t alone in this but their record against the top teams is woeful this year.
Against the top seven (Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man United and Leicester), they have played seven and lost seven.
Against the entire top half, they have won just once – against Watford
IN THEIR MINI-LEAGUE
The biggest reason to suspect Newcastle will have enough to stay up is that they’ve been effective in the games they need to win.
Of the 17 points United have picked up, 13 came from nine games against teams in the bottom half of the division.
They’ve not lost to any of the bottom six and have only conceded to one of them.
Whatever Benitez is doing against these sides must be repeated in the second half of the season.
VALUE
After being frustrated in the transfer market this summer, Benitez decided on a survival-first strategy early on. He knew it might be ugly but the priority was to stay in the division by any means necessary –
OUTSIDE THE BOX
Is this a result of Benitez telling