Newcastle United loanee Salomon Rondon has confirmed he is desperate to seal a permanent deal with the club and follow in the footsteps of some of the South American icons who have come before him.
The Venezuelan hitman, who arrived at St James’ Park on a year-long loan deal from Championship side West Brom this summer, made his competitive debut for the club in the 2-1 defeat at home to Tottenham, coming off the substitute’s bench to replace Joselu.
Tasked with wearing the famous number nine shirt on Tyneside, the 28-year-old international revealed he was hoping to secure a transfer permanently, as he looks to take inspiration from previous stars from the same continent.
He told the Shields Gazette: “Yes, that’s my personal target (to stay permanently).
“And the only way to do that, of course, is to score goals and train really, really hard to hold on to my place. I will try my best. I have just come here to do my best for the team, to score goals and stay here permanently.
“I know all about the amazing South American players who have been here – (Nolberto) Solano, Jonas Gutierrez – and how really well they did here. In my career, I have played in different leagues with different players, and I know this is the biggest move of my career.
“That’s why I want to stay here permanently.”
Opinion
If Rondon can get anywhere close to the level of performance of Solano, Gutierrez and current team mate Kenedy, albeit in a different position, then he will quickly become a firm favourite on Tyneside – although he must avoid following in the footsteps of the likes of Brazilian Claudio Cacapa, one of the biggest flops the club has ever known. His first minutes showed exactly what he can offer up top, threatening the Tottenham defence and coming within a crossbar’s width of scoring on his debut. Things look promising and the fact he wants to stay at St James’ Park will only endear him further to the Toon Army. Of course, everything depends on his performances and he is expected to net the goals to fire the club to safety and success – or at least contribute while someone else nets. He has the Premier League experience and the proven record to score, but as they say, the proof is in the pudding, and it is time for Rondon to serve up what he has got.