Everton manager Rafael Benitez is reportedly monitoring Venezuelan international Salomon Rondon’s uncertain situation at CSL club Dalian Pro.
The Toffees have been active in the summer transfer window, completing the signings of Demarai Gray, Asmir Begovic, and Andros Townsend so far, and are looking to add another striker.
According to SunSport, Everton could make a move for Salomon Rondon, who could become a free agent if he sees his contract at Dalian Pro cancelled amid financial instability in the Chinese Super League.
Salomon Rondon, 31, was brought to Dalian Pro by Rafael Benitez in the summer of 2019. He has scored 14 goals and registered seven assists in 25 appearances for the Chinese club so far.
Back in February, the Venezuelan striker joined CSKA Moscow on loan and made an instant impression at his new club by scoring and assisting a goal apiece in his first game. The 31-year-old ended the campaign with CSKA Moscow as one of the Russian league’s most valuable players, registering four goals and two assists in 13 outings.
Salomon Rondon— A good option for Everton?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin led Everton’s attack brilliantly and was their top scorer last season with 21 goals in 39 games. He missed a few games with hamstring problems that affected Toffees’ results, leaving former manager Carlo Ancelotti to chop and change things upfront.
Expectations were high when Joshua King was signed from Bournemouth on a short-term deal in January, but he failed to make any sort of impact and was released earlier this summer. And while Richarlison led the line well in Calvert-Lewin’s absence, the Royal Blues can do a lot better next season by signing a traditional number nine in the transfer window.
In that regard, Salomon Rondon would fit the mould of a striker Rafael Benitez likes to work using in his system. Standing at 6ft 1in tall, Rondon is a physically strong and powerful striker with good heading ability and hold-up play. He uses his burly frame to hold the ball up, bring his teammates into the game and get in the box to score goals.
The Venezuelan striker works really hard off the ball and is a real handful for defenders in the box. On his day, it is difficult to contain Rondon, as demonstrated by the glimpses he gave in his performances in the Premier League with West Brom and Newcastle United.
Having worked with the player in England and China before and known him well inside out, Benitez could also play a big role in helping Rondon settle at Everton if a move materialises. The former Malaga man would be a top option to have from the Everton bench too while giving Calvert-Lewin rest when required.
Therefore, the Toffees must certainly make a move for Salomon Rondon if he becomes available.
