According to The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder, there’s now been suggestions from West Brom that Salomon Rondon’s £16.5m release clause has expired.
The release clause was made public in the middle of JUNE, and despite it becoming clear that he was a player Benitez was keen to bring to Newcastle United, it seems the club have made no attempt to activate the clause.
In typical Mike Ashley fashion, we’ve instead been in talks over a potential ‘loan swap deal’ which would see Dwight Gayle go the other way, however it emerged yesterday that this deal was now looking unlikely – with Gayle being keen to remain on Tyneside.
With that in mind, it seemed our best hope of signing the Venezuelan was to just activate his release clause – which shouldn’t have been a problem after Mitrovic’s £22m sale – but instead it now looks like we may have missed the boat.
Here’s what Lee Ryder’s tweeted in the last few moments:
Suggestions now from West Brom that Rondon’s release clause has now expired. #nufc #wba
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 2, 2018
We probably knew this all along that this way the case. Was it ever likely that Ashley paid £16.5m for a player nearing his 30’s? I think not.
We may go back in for him at a reduced price, but the chances of West Brom now doing a deal seem bleak at best – unless Gayle changes his tune and some sort of ‘swap deal’ can be resurrected?
Speaking about Rondon last night, Benitez said the following – confirming his interest in the 28-year old striker, but suggesting that we have to respect West Brom’s stance over a potential deal:
“Yes. Could be fine if we have an agreement but we have to respect West Brom, and what they decide.”
7 days left to do business..
Doesn’t matter what the price Ashley isn’t going to spend anything .
Tojo1530(Quote)
Forget the release clause. Forget his age. Don’t forget, HE’S *****!
Briaaaan(Quote)
His contract also expires next season so maybe they think they can get him cheaper than the £16.5m based on WBA loosing him for nowt next season.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Except that, in common with most West Brom players, the club has a one year option in their favour at the end of his contract – meaning they can keep him for 2 years if they take up the option.
AndyB(Quote)