Salomon Rondon has told The Athletic he would have stayed at Newcastle had he been offered a deal.
What did he say?
The Venezuela international was speaking to the outlet about his time on Tyneside, and it is pretty clear that he enjoyed his time at the club.
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He said: “It’s about decisions and it wasn’t my decision. If Newcastle had offered me a deal, if they’d said ‘Do you want to stay here?’, then of course I would have stayed.”
Missed opportunity
This season has been an incredibly difficult one in front of goal for the Toon.
Joelinton was brought in during the summer transfer window for a club-record fee, but he has failed to prove he has what it takes to be successful in the Premier League.
In 26 appearances, including 25 starts, he has scored just one goal – and there has been little attacking threat elsewhere to cover for that lack of danger. Central midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is the club’s top scorer with just five strikes.
What Steve Bruce would do to have Rondon at the club right now.
Last term, the 30-year-old did well for the Magpies, scoring 12 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions, whilst also providing seven assists as well. He was a fantastic option for former manager Rafa Benitez up front, and he clearly enjoyed being at St. James’ Park.
It appears that Newcastle have missed a trick here by allowing the former Zenit St Petersburg striker to slip from their grasp. Clearly, the move for Joelinton is one that just hasn’t worked out, even if he has only been in the North East for just over six months.
Now, though it is too little too late.
It’s touching that Rondon wanted to remain at the club, but the fact he slipped through the net when he wanted to stay is bound to leave a bitter taste in the mouth for the Magpies faithful.