Don Hutchison says he was stunned at Newcastle summer deal

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Newcastle lured Rondon to St. James’ Park, with Dwight Gayle going to West Brom.

Don Hutchison has told BBC Radio 5 Live that he was shocked by Rafa Benitez in the summer when he chose to sign Salomon Rondon from West Bromwich Albion – but allowed Dwight Gayle to leave.

Rondon, 29, has joined Newcastle on loan to the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal. The Venezuelan international has been in excellent form.

The former Zenit St. Petersburg and Malaga striker has scored five goals and created two more in 13 league and cup outings. But apart from stats, Rondon has given Newcastle a talismanic forward.

Former West Ham and Everton midfielder Hutchison, who is a self-confessed Newcastle fan but never played for the Magpies, states he was shocked Gayle left but applauded the impact of Rondon so far.

“I was stunned that Rafa allowed Dwight Gayle to go for Rondon, because why not keep the pair?” Hutchison said. “But I love Rondon. He ticks a lot of boxes – he’s strong, he’s great in the air, good link up play.

“Rafa is now starting to get close to his best 11. Ki [Sung-yueng] and Kenedy are in the side. They’re going to pick up some good results and some bad ones. But I think, undoubtedly, Rondon has been a success.”

The Toon started in awful form at the start of the season but have since picked up four wins in their last seven Premier League games, pushing them into 14th place. Rondon scored the winner in a 1-0 win over Huddersfield on Saturday.

Newcastle could make that five wins in the last eight on Saturday, as they play host to rock-bottom Fulham at St. James’ Park in a match that Benitez will be keen to win.