Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon has said that he hopes to extend his future on Tyneside beyond his current loan deal.
The Venezuelan striker joined on a one-year agreement from West Brom and has gone on to enjoy his best-ever season in England, scoring 10 Premier League goals for Rafael Benitez’s side – more than in any of the three seasons he spent with the Baggies.
Rondon is set to leave Newcastle on Sunday following the side’s Premier League finale with relegated Fulham, but speaking to the Newcastle Chronicle, the 29-year-old made clear his intentions for the upcoming months.
“I hope we can find a solution for the future,” the striker said. “But for now it’s just to carry on. I want to do better for the team and focus on the positives.
“I just go out to help the team. I have 11 goals this season and I’m happy. It’s the reason why Rafa Benitez brought me here.
“It’s just so difficult to say something now. We don’t know what will happen with Rafa so we have to wait. So as I have said from the first day, I go out to score goals and work hard for the team at Fulham.”
OPINION
It really would be a great shame to see Rondon leave Newcastle. He has thoroughly enjoyed his time in the North East and has made it quite clear that he wants to stay, and so he should. He is well-liked by the Newcastle faithful for his work ethic up top – and his ability to score goals. It’s the Venezuelan’s best-ever season in front of goal in England and that deserves to be rewarded with an extended stay in the city. It will all come down, however, to the future of Benitez in Newcastle. If the Spaniard leaves, the likelihood is that the striker will follow him out the door. What’s more, if West Brom get promoted, there’s a chance Rondon could be wanted back by the Baggies as they look to make a better stab at Premier League survival than last season’s efforts. All in all, Rondon has been a great servant in his short stay with the club and there are many who would like to see him stay.