Salomon Rondon has been an imposing figure on our attack this season, but his future at St James’ Park remains uncertain as Mike Ashley is hesitant to sanction a high-value transfer for someone soon-to-be 30-years-old.
The forward, however, has pleaded with our owner to forget his age and pay his £16.5million release clause – which would rise to north of £20m should West Bromwich Albion secure promotion via the Play-Offs – as much like a fine wine, he becomes “better with age”, as per quotes reported by the Mirror.
Rondon’s claim comes after stretching his tally for the Premier League season to ten with a powerful strike against Liverpool on Saturday, where he used his presence in the box to make things difficult for the title-chasing Merseyside outfit.
The Venezuelan, however, also conceded that his future very much lies in tandem with that of manager Rafa Benitez, and the boss’ time with the Magpies must be resolved before a decision can be made over his own.
“Better with age? For me, yes, it’s like a wine,” Rondon said. “I try to be healthy all the time. I am getting older, so I have to work more than the young players. I have to work really hard and do my best.
“Maybe it is my last game here [at St James’ Park against Liverpool]. That would be a shame for my family, because they are settled here. It is out of my hands and I will have to wait. I am really happy here. My family is happy. But it is not down to me.
“We don’t know what will happen with Rafa as well, so we have to wait.
“Now I have my mind on the Copa America with the national team. After that, we will see what happens.
“I have to wait and see if West Brom get promoted or not. This is the first reason. If they are promoted or not, I have to go back there. And after that, I have to wait. I have to see if Rafa stays. There are many things — Newcastle, West Brom, Rafa, me.
“He has been here for three years now. He did a really good job here, to get the team back to the Premier League and keep them there.
“The supporters love Rafa, the players have confidence with him. So it depends on the club.”