West Bromwich Albion striker heads to Newcastle United on loan

Newcastle United have completed their fifth signing of the summer transfer window after acquiring the signature of Salomon Rondon on a season-long loan from West Bromwich Albion. The Venezuela international was one of the standout performers for the Baggies during the final stages of the previous campaign but his efforts were not sufficient to keep them in the Premier League.

Nonetheless, he has now got another chance in the top-flight with the Magpies signing him on a temporary basis. Speaking to branislavivanovic.net, he said: “The clubs were talking for a long time and now I’m focused on the season to help my teammates to get the points to do well this season. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and I knew about the interest of the gaffer, so I’m happy to be here.”

Meanwhile, Magpies boss Rafael Benitez was also appreciative of the marksman and suggested that the club are counting on his experience upfront for the upcoming campaign, he said: “When we were looking for options up front, we knew how important experience would be. Salomon has been in the Premier League for a while and he knows how demanding it is.”

Elsewhere, the move has also benefited West Brom after they agreed to sign Dwight Gayle on loan as part of the agreement. The 27-year-old has now quite managed to cut it at the Premier League level but he could certainly make the difference in the Championship, where he netted 23 goals for the Magpies during the 2016/17 season.

West Brom have already suffered a disappointing start to the campaign after a surprise home defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers and manager Darren Moore will be keen to integrate Gayle into the team as soon as possible. The Baggies are scheduled to face Nottingham Forest on the road in the midweek league game.