Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly want to keep West Brom striker Salomon Rondon in the Premier League after a fine season with Newcastle United.
It is remarkable to see what a difference it makes for a striker to not play in a Tony Pulis team.
In three years at West Bromwich Albion, Salomon Rondon scored just 24 goals in 108 Premier League games. And it speaks volumes both about Rondon’s ability and Pulis’s overly pragmatic approach that the Venezuelan international netted 12 times in just 33 matches on loan at Newcastle United.
At St James’ Park, Rondon proved once and for all that he is a centre-forward of genuine Premier League quality. So Newcastle, and Rafa Benitez, would love to keep their newly crowned Player of the Year.
Owner Mike Ashley, who is so famously reluctant to sign players who have already hit their peak, might be a little less keen.
And, according to the Mail, Wolverhampton Wanderers will look to snatch Rondon from under Newcastle’s nose. They have made an enquiry for the 29-year-old, who has a £16.5 million release clause.
And Wolves fans are thrilled – not just because they could snatch a terrific player from their Midland rivals.
Rondon would give Nuno Espirito Santo some much needed depth in attack while his aerial presence, terrific free-kicks and ability to bring team-mates into play with intelligent, tenacious hold-up play would make him a terrific addition to an already talented squad.
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