West Ham could rival Newcastle United for Salomon Rondon. According to The Chronicle, West Ham and Wolves are willing to trigger Rondon’s £16.5m release clause.
Rondon spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Newcastle after West Bromwich Albion were relegated to the Championship. The Venezuela international enjoyed a successful season at St James’ Park, scoring 12 goals, including 11 in the league.
Using his physical frame to his advantage, Rondon produced some powerful displays in attack. He formed a deadly partnership with Ayoze Perez at Newcastle.
The hunt for Salomon Rondon
Because West Brom failed to win promotion, Rondon’s £16.5m release clause is still active. But the Magpies face a battle to land Rondon on a permanent deal.
Rafa Benitez’s men want to drive down his £16.5m price tag by offering Dwight Gayle or Jacob Murphy as a makeweight.
However, Wolves and West Ham could jeopardise this deal. Both teams finished in the top-half and would be willing to match the £16.5m release clause.
West Ham will be in the market for at least one new striker this summer. With doubt surrounding the future of Javier Hernandez, Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll, signing a striker is a priority.
Rondon could be a target this summer. The 29-year-old is a dominant centre-forward who is strong in the air and with the ball on the floor. We now wait to see if West Ham will firm up their interest with a concrete offer.
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