Wolves pull away from Rondon deal – but is it the right decision?
Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly ended their interest in West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon – but is it the right decision?
Football Insider write that Rondon’s wage demands and the player’s £16.5m release clause have put Wolves off the deal and the Midlands club will now pursue other targets.
Over the past few seasons, the 29-year-old has proven his ability to ply his trade in the Premier League, scoring 35 goals over the past four campaigns, including whilst on loan at Newcastle United last term.
His 6ft 1″ frame makes him a good target man, with the Venezuelan strong enough to hold the ball up with his back to goal and lay it off to a team-mate when the opportunity arises.
However, he is also surprisingly good with the ball at his feet for a man of his size and is more than willing to take on and beat defenders, as well as possessing a good range of passing.
Clearly finishing ability is important for a striker and Rondon has been known to score all types of goals, whether that be from range, one-on-one finishes or sticking the ball home with his head.
Striking options in one area that Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is not blessed with numbers, with Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota his only real first-team options and Helder Costa waiting in the wings.
Signing Rondon would provide competition for Jimenez and Espirito Santo could use the forward as an impact substitute if the game is not going his way.
At the mentioned price of £16.5m, the Midlands club are unlikely to find a player of such ability and experience, so club bosses should do all they can to resurrect a deal for the ex-Zenit man.