Rafa Benitez’s ‘top striker target’ revealed – and it’s incredibly underwhelming if true

There’s been a report in the Daily Star this today claiming that Salomon Rondon is now Rafa’s ‘top target’ – stating we will now look to formalise a deal for the West Brom frontman now Alassane Plea has completed his move to Germany.
Being the Daily Star, we can take this with a pinch of salt to an extent, but the Chronicle have confirmed our interest in him on several occasions already this summer. There’s no smoke without fire and it seems quite clear he’s a target – and that concerns me. 
With time ticking we are all desperate to see a striker arrive, so any signing seems exciting to an extent, but if this is the height of our ambitions and our ‘top striker target’ then I for one will be underwhelmed.
He’s edging close to 30, he’s never hit double figures in the Premier League – having spearheaded a dreadful West Brom side last year who couldn’t score goals.
We have Gayle already as a workman like striker who struggles to score goals regularly in the top flight and we don’t need another. We need real proven quality – and Rondon isn’t that unfortunately, even if he’s a handful.
A £16.5m deal would also mean our transfer record remains – and wouldn’t that be typical Mike Ashley. Although you could argue that’s already a little too much for someone like Rondon?
Here’s a snippet from the Star’s piece today:

“West Brom frontman Salomon Rondon, 28, is a top target. The Venezuelan has a £16.5million release clause in his contract and Benitez is also keen to bring winger Andros Townsend, 26, back to Tyneside from Crystal Palace – two years after his £13m departure.

“The Spaniard, who has taken his squad to Ireland for a training camp, said: “We have to sign two or three more offensive players and also we need a back-up in defence.” 

Townsend would be a good buy and an upgrade on Ritchie, despite how good the former Bournemouth man has been for us.
However, I for one want better than Rondon and I am sure Rafa does too – unless we really have no other options.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Simon Riddlesden

Lifelong Newcastle United fan and East Stand season ticket holder. Observations from a supporter who has followed NUFC during Champions League participation and through relegation, taking me from Milan to Scunthorpe.

3 thoughts on “Rafa Benitez’s ‘top striker target’ revealed – and it’s incredibly underwhelming if true

  1. Simon who do you think is a better option. Today we are being linked with Ayue from Swansea, not for me, but there seems to be few options out there.

      (Quote)

  2. Time to give Arma his chance to prove himself. Forget Barnsley and Bolton, he was, not played in a strikers roll and strikers need service.
    Nobody has scored more goals than him for the England youth sides – an honour he shares, with Michael Owen. He can surpass that still.
    He scores every type of goal, from 40 yarders, self made goals with his pace and movement and goals snapped up in the penalty area. The quality of goals speaks volumes of his ability. Clearly the most natural striker on our books, by a distance.
    Anything he may be lacking can be coached by Rafa. Give him a chance, he’ll let nobody down.

      (Quote)

  3. Magpie 48:
    Simon who do you think is a better option. Today we are being linked with Ayue from Swansea, not for me, but there seems to be few options out there.

    Ayew’s a winger to be fair mate.

    Rondon’s a handful, he’s not not nearly prolific enough?

      (Quote)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *