Salomon Rondon joins Everton on a free transfer
Everton made a solitary transfer deadline day signing in Salomon Rondon. The Venezuelan joined the Toffees on a two year deal with an option to extend for one more year. Rondon became the fourth free transfer of the window after Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic, and Andy Lonergan.
Rondon joins the Royal Blues mainly as a backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin after Moise Kean joined Juventus on a two year loan deal with an obligation to buy. The player was at Dalian Professional since 2019 which included a short loan spell at CSKA Moscow earlier this year.
Rondon reunites with Rafa Benitez for the third time in his career with the duo previously working together at Newcastle United and Dalian Pro. Parallels can be drawn between the duo of James Rodriguez – Carlo Ancelotti and Rondon – Benitez. Last season, Ancelotti wanted to bring the Colombian and was successful in persuading the 30 year old, reuniting at Everton after previous stints at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
The Venezuela international will be available for selection soon after the International break as the striker has not joined the national team and won’t have to undergo any quarantine. The 31 year old could be in contention to make his Everton debut against Burnley on 14th September. Rondon’s addition addresses a key deficit area, giving some room for Benitez to work with.