Salomon Rondon will cost Newcastle £16.5 million if they want to bring the striker back to St. James’ Park, according to the Mirror.
That’s the good news they got after West Brom crashed out of the play-offs.
The Venezuelan striker joined the Magpies from West Brom last summer with Dwight Gayle going in the opposite direction.
That triggered a clause in Rondon’s contract, which extends his Baggies deal by a year.
It also triggers the £16.5 million buyout clause after West Brom failed to win promotion.
Rondon scored 11 times in the league as Newcastle finished 13th. The 29-year-old became a pivotal member of the side and Rafa Benitez now wants him back permanently as a result.
Good move for Newcastle?
Signing Rondon permanently would be a great move for the Magpies. Rondon played a big role last season and proved to be a brilliant piece of business following his loan swap. His dominant displays for Newcastle were impressive – he was just what the club had been lacking in recent times. Rondon’s hold-up play is second to none and this asset would be of benefit to most clubs in the league. £16.5 million is more than a reasonable price for a player that has offered so much – Rafa Benitez must do all he can to convince Mike Ashley to allow him to spend that money, despite his age – which is where Mike Ashley has reservations.
This Is Futbol rating 9/10
Likely to happen?
Given that Rondon has already spent a successful season with the club, it’s very likely that he will return. The price that Newcastle will have to pay isn’t too high and given how much he contributed last term, it would be a ridiculous decision not to pay that price. The striker is keen on moving to Newcastle and it is really down to Mike Ashley to deliver. He knows Benitez wants him and he wants Benitez to sign a new one-year deal. That could be the deciding factor.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10