OPINION
Newcastle United fans hardly need reminding of just how effective Salomon Rondon was for their side this season.
The Venezuelan international was arguably the key component in a transformation of form that helped them stride away from the relegation zones towards the comparative comfort of mid table.
12 goals and seven assists in all competitions was exactly the kind of return that supporters have been craving on Tyneside for some time now, and the fact that he helped bring the best out of Ayoze Perez will only have sweetened the deal for the Toon Army.
Naturally, there has been a real scramble in the race to land him this summer, with Wolves and West Ham also being touted as potential destinations, as reported by the Shropshire Star.
Newcastle will be desperate to snap up their man, but if there were any doubts over whether or not the Magpies should follow through on a move, the latest comments from Nobby Solano should dispel them.
The Peruvian is a cult figure on Tyneside still, and his opinion on the game is a well-respected one.
So when Solano makes a comment like the one he did to the Chronicle earlier, people should take notice.
Speaking to the outlet ahead of the Copa America, when reviewing Venezuela’s chances, he said: “We [Peru] play them first and it’ll be very tough for us because they have some very good players.
“Venezuela have improved in the last eight years and I know there manager Rafael Dudamel very well.
“Rondon is a superstar for them but they have Tomás Rincón too and others who can influence games.”
Solano is right, to Venezuelans Rondon is a superstar, and there is a reason for that.
The 6’1″ striker [Transfermarkt] isn’t just a goalscorer, he is a well-rounded creative force.
He’s not averse to dropping deep or running the channels, and his determination to play for the team rather than focusing on his own goalscoring exploits make him the ideal forward for a side striving to escape a perpetual relegation fight.
Newcastle have to sign him.