Everton released Salomon Rondon from his contract on Friday 16th December, but the 93-cap Venezuela international could now be heading for another major European league.
What’s the story?
Well, Frank Lampard felt there was no need to keep the 33-year-old at Goodison Park, after the striker made just one Premier League start in the first half of the campaign.
Rondon found himself playing backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay on Merseyside, which prompted him to reach an agreement with the Toffees over the termination of his contract.
Now – according to AS in Spain – a number of clubs in Europe’s leading divisions are interested.
The Spanish news outlet do not name which particular clubs are interested, although some Everton fans will surely be shocked to see immediate interest given how poor Rondon was at Goodison Park, with all due respect.
In 31 appearances for the Toffees, the Rafa Benitez signing scored just three goals.
In truth, Rondon was doomed from the start at Everton.
He was seemingly only signed as a result of his strong relationship with the unpopular Benitez, as the pair enjoyed success working together at Newcastle, but when the Spaniard was sacked, it really did feel as if Rondon had no place under Lampard.
Everton must replace Rondon
Despite his lack of effectiveness under Lampard, Rondon was still someone who provided depth to the attacking department, and a replacement must be signed.
As things stand, Everton find themselves 17th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, and if Calvert-Lewin happens to suffer another injury, then Lampard will find himself in a very worrying position.
Despite his impressive work rate, Maupay struggles to score on a regular basis, and if Everton go into the second half of the season with the Frenchman as their only fit striker, the Championship may beckon.
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