Salomon Rondon admits he would jump at chance to rejoin Newcastle in January

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Salomon Rondon has told the Guardian that he would jump at the chance to rejoin Newcastle United in the January transfer window, just over a year after leaving the club and moving to China with Rafa Benitez.

During the 2018-19 campaign, 31-year-old Rondon scored an impressive 12 goals in 33 league and cup appearances for Newcastle while on loan at the club from West Brom – as well as adding seven assists.

Newcastle fans implored owner Mike Ashley to sign the 81-time Venezuela international on a permanent basis, but he opted against doing so and Rondon moved to Chinese side Dalian Yifang – where Rafa Benitez became manager.

Since then, Rondon has scored 14 goals and laid on seven assists in just 25 appearances. But asked if he would be open to a return to Newcastle in January – with the CSL ending in November – Rondon stated he would love to rejoin the Toon.

“A footballer’s career is so short and I try to take care of my family, my kids and my future,” Rondon said. “But if, in January, I had a chance to sign for Newcastle I would do it because they gave me a lot and I felt so much when I was at St James’.”

TBR’s view – Rondon would be good cover for Callum Wilson

But Rondon is no longer needed on Tyneside as much as he was during 2018-19 and 2019-20. Wilson has since joined the club from Bournemouth and has netted two Premier League goals in Newcastle’s opening three games.

If Rondon rejoined, and owner Mike Ashley sanctioned a move to sign the £154k-a-week (Guardian) star, then he would be good cover for Wilson – but would fail to start. He has two years remaining on his Dalian contract, following his £16.5million move (iNews).