OPINION
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez’s latest comments on Salomon Rondon have got to worry Newcastle fans over the player’s future at St James’ Park.
Speaking to Sky Sports News [Monday, 8:06am] after the Magpies rounded off their season with a 4-0 thrashing of Fulham on Sunday, the Spaniard admitted that Rondon’s stock has risen this season and he could be a target for other clubs.
“He’s really happy, and a key player for us,” the manager said. “I think he wants to stay. The problem is, because he was so good, the more people have been watching him, so we have to wait.”
This has got to be a massive worry for Newcastle fans everywhere. Rondon scored the club’s fourth goal against Fulham in the 90th minute at Craven Cottage, a goal which took his tally for the Premier League season to 11 – 12 overall.
It’s the striker’s best-ever season on English soil and he has thoroughly deserved the plaudits he has got this season.
But one word that Benitez is right to say about Rondon is “problem”. While the striker’s form has been magnificent this term, there is no doubting that other clubs will be looking at him as an ideal target this summer.
And what’s more worrying for Newcastle is that West Brom – Rondon’s parent club – could have the upper hand in negotiations if they return to the Premier League via the play-offs.
However, Benitez has been clear that Rondon wants to stay, and if that’s the case, you’d presume that the Magpies will do all they can to try and secure his future in the North East.
The main issue, though, is whether Benitez stays and whether the Newcastle board would be willing to spend to keep the player around.
In any case, the striker will certainly not be short of offers in the transfer window.