West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon is a wanted man, with several Premier League clubs trailing the striker who was on loan at Newcastle United in the recently-concluded season. The Magpies seem like the favourites to sign him, while West Ham United have also been linked with a move for him. Now, Wolves, who had a fantastic return to the Premier League, finishing 7th in the league, are also interested in the Venezuelan striker.
The burly striker left the Baggies after they were relegated from the Premier League, and joined Newcastle United on loan where he had an exceptional season, scoring 11 goals and notching up 7 assists for his side. Rondon has a release clause which is set at £16.5 million as the striker enters the final year of his contract at West Brom.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is said to be keen on signing him, with reports talking of a potential swap deal which would have seen Dwight Gayle going the other way. But with the Spaniard’s future uncertain at the club, the move for Rondon has taken a backseat at the moment.
What will Rondon add to Wolves?
Rondon is a physical, strong, and tall old-school centre forward who can be a handful for defenders in and around the box. The 6’1″ player is a lethal striker in the box and a good option for any of the mid-table clubs in the Premier League.
The Venezuelan was Newcastle’s Player of the Year and he could be a great option for Wolves manager Nuno Espírito Santo next season as the club plan for a potential Europa League campaign next season, as well as try to replicate their season or better it next time around.
Wolves’ star striker this season has been Mexican Raúl Jiménez, who ended the season with 17 goals in all competitions, while the next highest was Diogo Jota with 10 goals.
Rondon would be a solid addition to the Wolves attack as he has significant Premier League experience having played for 4 years in England’s top-flight league. Wolves do not currently have an experienced, out-and-out centre forward apart from Jimenez as the likes of Ivan Cavaleiro, Diogo Jota, and Adama Traoré are all wide players who can play through the middle.
Hence, a move for Salomon will add the necessary depth and the transfer fee touted does not seem to be out of Wolves’ range.