West Ham are set to trigger Salomon Rondon’s release clause, according to the Northern Echo.
The Venezuelan has enjoyed a fine season on loan at Newcastle United from West Brom, hitting 12 goals and assisting seven more for the Magpies, and it is understood that the Hammers will attempt to try and hijack any potential permanent deal that might take the 29-year-old back to St. James’ Park next season.
That would mean them matching the £16.5 million being quoted by the 6’1″ striker’s [Transfermarkt] parent club, but the Echo suggests that the Irons are willing to do so.
OPINION
This would be a good move for West Ham, but perhaps not the move that many fans will have been hoping for. The South American is fast approaching 30, and only hit double figures for a Premier League season for the first time this term. In short, he is hardly the elite level striker that the Hammers have been hoping to snap up for some time. That being said, sometimes pragmatism is key to success, and you cannot argue with the impact that Rondon had at Newcastle this season. 12 goals in a side that traditionally struggles to create chances is no mean feat, and shows that he is well-equppied to score wherever he goes. You fancy that he could be a really effective addition for the Hammers, even if it is only a relatively short term thing. Get him in on the cheap, watch him flourish, and then go really big next season.
