OPINION
Goals will keep you up, it’s that simple – as Salomon Rondon has proven for Newcastle United this season.
Nine times out of 10, the sides who find themselves trailing behind in the battle to avoid the drop from the Premier League are the exact same ones who can’t hit a barn door with a shovel.
That’s why, pound for pound, there have been fewer better or more impactful signings than Rondon in the Premier League this season.
The big Venezuelan rocked up in Tyneside on loan from West Brom at the beginning of the season, and has been a revelation for Newcastle ever since.
The 29-year-old has been directly involved in 45% of the Magpies’ goals this campaign, scoring nine and assisting five more.
When his side looked dead and buried against Everton on Saturday, he was the one who kickstarted an improbable comeback with a stunning volley that would go on to provide the foundation of a win that will be spoken for seasons to come.
And yet, somehow, there are still doubts over whether or not he should be signed on a permanent deal.
According to the Chronicle, the decision on whether to cough up the £16.5 million West Brom are reportedly looking for could end up causing Rafa Benitez something of a headache, with the Toon Army unsure whether that money could be spent on younger players who still have their best years ahead of them.
Quite frankly, that is ridiculous. At 29, Rondon still has plenty left to give, and while his so-called “prime” might be behind him, this season alone should prove that he is exactly the player United have been missing for years now.
Even if he was handed a three year contract at the end of this season, he would still only be approaching his 33rd birthday when it came to prospectively renewing it.
For a target man with the natural physicality Rondon possesses 33 is no age.
Signing him is an absolute no-brainer.