Salomon Rondon has hinted that the result of West Brom’s play-off push could play a big part in his potential permanent move to Newcastle United.
The Venezuelan also mentions Rafa Benitez future as a ket factor, with the Spaniard clearly desperate to keep him beyond this season, however it seems West Brom’s success or failure in the play-off’s will be key.
As reported by the Chronicle, a release clause of £16.5m will be reactivated if they do NOT gain promotion, however it’s said that we’ll be quoted £20m plus if West Brom did seal an immediate return to the top flight.
Here’s what Rondon’s had to say about his future, suggesting both the Baggies play-off fate and Rafa’s future will be
“I can’t answer that question because you never know what happens in football. Yes, maybe it is my last game here.
“That would be a shame for my family because they are settled here. But this is football; sometimes it happens, and sometimes you have to decide. It is out of my hands, and I will have to wait.
“At the moment, I have to wait and see if West Brom get promoted or not. This is the first reason. If they are promoted or not, I have to go back there. And after that, I have to wait,”
“I have to see if Rafa stays. There are many things – Newcastle, West Brom, Rafa, me. The only thing I can say is that I have to wait.
“But the first point for me is wait for West Brom, to see if they get promoted or not. Then go back there and see what happens.”
“I would like that [for my future to be sorted before the Copa America but it is difficult because, at the moment, nobody has signed. It is maybe a difficult time.”
Fortunately for us, it seems there’s a clause in Rondon’s contract stating that he’ll be available for £16.5m for as long as West Brom are a Championship club – it’s just a real shame we didn’t activate this when we had the chance last summer.
West Brom have it all to do in the play-offs, playing an in-form Aston Villa side in the semi’s, followed by either Leeds or Derby in the final if they’re successful.
Fingers crossed Dwight Gayle doesn’t fire them to glory, with him likely to end our chances of signing Rondon if he does.
His 11 goals, 8 assists, brilliant work rate and expert hold up play have made him priceless, but I just don’t see the powers that be paying over £20m for a player that turns 30 later this year.
