Newcastle player of the year heads to China for Rafa reunion

 

Salomon Rondon has been reunited with former boss Rafa Benitez having agreed a permanent move to Chinese Super League club Dalian Yifang, West Bromwich Albion have confirmed.

The striker spent last season on loan at Newcastle under the Spanish boss and scooped the club’s player of the year award.

The Magpies hopes of signing the fan favourite this summer, however, were scuppered by Benitez’s decision not to extend his contract at St. James’ Park.

Rondon, who had a direct hand in 18 of Newcastle’s 42 goals last season - scoring 11 and assisting seven - was clearly keen to link up with the ex-Liverpool manager once more and has made the move to China as a result.

 

 

Having been clear for some time that Rondon would not be staying in the North East, Newcastle are lining up a club record move for Hoffenheim forward Joelinton.

Meanwhile West Brom, who have received an undisclosed eight-figure fee for the Venezuelan, are moving for Cardiff City target man Kenneth Zohore as his replacement.