Salomon Rondon: A Benitez reunion on the cards at Everton?

Rumours have it that Venezuelan forward Salomon Rondon will reunite with manager Rafael Benitez, who had the player at Newcastle United, at his new club Everton.

The move would fill Everton’s newest need, as a backup forward, having seen Italian Moise Kean re-join Juventus following an unsuccessful time at Goodison Park that was coupled with an impressive loan spell with French giants, Paris Saint-Germain.

Rondon was an essential player for Benitez at Newcastle, playing there on loan from West Bromwich Albion in 2018/19. During that season, the forward scored 11 Premier League goals in 32 appearances, being pivotal in keeping the Magpies up.

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The physical player was also named Newcastle’s Player of the Season that year, being the first forward to get the award since Alan Shearer in 2003.

"Salomon Rondon close to joining Everton from Chinese club Dalian on Deadline Day; Rafa Benitez signed the striker during his time in charge of Dalian and Newcastle; Rondon set to replace Moise Kean, who has returned to Juventus. (Via: Sky Sports)"

Benitez attempted to keep Rondon at St James Park the following year, but due to the Northeast club’s complicated ownership, the move never materialised and eventually, Benitez also moved on.

As Benitez failed to get Rondon at Newcastle, the manager moved to the Chinese Super League side, Dalian Professional, and the Venezuelan followed.

In two years in China, Rondon scored 14 goals in 28 appearances, also having a loan at Russian team CSKA Moscow, scoring four goals in his time there.

The Venezuelan International would fill a hole on Merseyside and reignite his strong relationship with Benitez. Being a physical forward would also give Everton a different dynamic up front, to the pace and quick feet of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.