West Bromwich Albion have confirmed Salomon Rondon will be sold this summer, according to a report in The Express and Star.
The report suggests the Baggies will allow the striker to leave due to him only having one year remaining on his contract.
The Venezuelan spent last season on loan at Newcastle where he scored 11 league goals and provided seven assists in 32 league appearances. It was also believed Rafa Benitez wanted to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent deal but Newcastle confirmed yesterday that the Spaniard would not be in charge next season, possibly leaving Rondon to explore other options.
One club that could benefit from Rondon’s goals is Southampton. The Saints struggled in front of goal last season and the club was ranked 15th for goals scored. Also, strikers Danny Ings, Charlie Austin and Shane Long only netted 14 times between them in the league last term.
The lack of goals also contributed to the south coast club finishing with a -20 goal difference. Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has identified the goal shortage as a problem, evidenced by his first signing Moussa Djenepo and transfer target Che Adams.
Djenepo scored seven goals and provided three assists from midfield last season in the Belgium top-flight for Standard Liege. According to a report in The Telegraph, Saints have also made a bid for Birmingham striker Adams. The forward scored 22 goals and assisted five times in 46 league games last season.
Transfermarkt value Rondon at £13.5 million, but with West Brom confirming they will sell him in this transfer window he could be a cheap option for Southampton. Last year the Football whispers website ranked Saints midfielder James Ward-Prowse the fifth deadliest set-piece taker in the division, pairing him up with Rondon’s aerial ability could be a great move.
The Express and Star report mention Rondon may not be short of offers, with Wolves expressing a firm interest in the striker. West Ham has also been linked with the London club looking for a replacement for Andy Carroll who was released by the Hammers this summer.
