The future of Rondon still up in the air
NEWCASTLE United tried to negotiate a set summer price for Salomon Rondon during talks with West Brom over Jacob Murphy’s loan move.
The attempt to utilise their leverage with a Championship side who were keen to bring Murphy in to add to their promotion push was unsuccessful.
That leaves the Rondon situation as one of the biggest personnel issues looming over the club ahead of a potentially transformative summer at St James’ Park.
The original loan deal for Rondon came with the striker down to the last 12 months of his contract - but with West Brom intent on triggering a clause in the deal to extend it for another year.
However, talk of bringing the striker back on another seasonlong loan would be instantly shot down by the Baggies, who would lose him for nothing at the end of that deal.
They would have no possible reason to do that, his performances at Newcastle having alerted other clubs to Rondon’s ability to make a difference at the top level in England.
It is understood there was interest from Spain and China in the summer to rival Newcastle and even as recently as January a Premier League club enquired about the possibility of signing him.
Newcastle’s loan deal with West Brom did not have any recall option so that was not possible but it should at least focus minds that United are not the only game in town in this close season.
There is certainly a deal there to be done if Newcastle want it.
The player wants to stay - he has struck up a friendship with Miguel Almiron Benitez wants him and he seems like a good fit for the manager - at least in the short-term.
Rondon is hoping to hit double figures this season but his impact at Newcastle has been bigger than his goalscoring exploits, Benitez happy he fits into a system he feels will help carry United to safety.
In the summer his fee would be reduced from the £16million being demanded last year especially if West Brom miss out on promotion. Albion certainly appear to be planning for a future without him but would like to sign Dwight Gayle on a permanent basis if they go up or the price is right.
In December they let it be known they would want cash and Gayle for Rondon, which Newcastle did not entertain. Yet if they remain in the Championship that looks unlikely because Gayle’s wage demands would prove prohibitive for a club which would have to cut its cloth accordingly if it failed to reclaim its spot at the lucrative Premier League table.
All of which makes for an uncertain, fluid future for Newcastle’s number nine and most potent forward.
If he continues to score goals the clamour for him to be brought in permanently will grow - but there are a number of complicating factors.
For while Rondon’s impact has been huge, there are those who feel his presence in the forward line has - at times - slowed them down from the quick counter-attacking side which won games last season.
Sources at the Hawthorns wonder whether Newcastle’s hierarchy will reverse the policy of spending substantial funds on a player who will be 30 by the time next season kicks off.
Much may depend on how keen Rondon is to come to United if the money on offer is less than that available elsewhere because Newcastle - if they do make a permanent offer - are likely to offer something which reflects his age and could even be incentivised, a trick they pulled with Miguel Almiron.
With or without Benitez, United will need to spend considerable money to refresh their attack in the close season.
The Rondon situation is one of the biggest personnel issues looming over the club Mark Douglas