Lampard could dump Benitez fave in reserves, January Everton exit likely

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Salomon Rondon may be demoted to the reserves at Premier League strugglers Everton with the veteran striker no longer part of Frank Lampard’s plans at Goodison Park, according to The Sun.

Given that Rondon was viewed by many as ‘Rafa’s man’ on Gwadlys Street – reuniting with his former Newcastle United boss when arriving on the blue side of Stanley Park during the summer of 2021 – it’s perhaps no real surprise that the Venezuelan tumbled rather rapidly down the pecking order following Benitez’s departure.

Rondon has played just 104 minutes of Premier League football this term. He wasn’t even included in the matchday squad for four of Everton’s last five games before the World Cup break; slipping behind Neal Maupay and the returning Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The exciting Tom Cannon, a loan target for League One promotion-chasers Sheffield Wednesday, has also forced his way into Lampard’s thinking with a flurry of goals for the U21s and some intriguing cameo displays.

And, with Rondon’s contract expiring next year, The Sun believe that Everton are ready to cut their losses. The one-time Spartak Moscow targetman could be shoved rather unceremoniously out the exit door as early as January. Until then, Rondon may be forced to train with the reserves.

Frank Lampard is planning for life without Everton striker Salomon Rondon

Per The Mirror, Rondon turned down a move to UAE-based outfit Sharjah FC a few months back. It remains to be seen whether the 2022 Pro League runners-up return with a new bid in January. Interestingly, Rondon’s one-time Everton team-mate Bernard spent a brief spell at Sharjah before moving to Greece with Panathinaikos.

“Frank Lampard doesn’t rate Salomon Rondon,” Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards told the BBC back in August. “(Rondon) hasn’t exactly done well on Merseyside.”

Everton, meanwhile, could also move on from the likes of Yerry Mina and Michael Keane; two out-of-favour centre-halves who set the Toffees back around £60 million in transfer fees. Asmir Begovic, Tom Davies and Abdoulaye Doucoure are all entering the final few months of their contracts too.