Rondon link resurfaces

Jesus wept.

Would prefer Ronald McDonald

Expect a deluge of increasingly desperate predictions by mediocre journos trying to act like they are ITK.

Townsend, Begovic, Lonergan and Rondon... Phew – at least we've got rid of old and shite players off the wage budget...

Hang on! Let's Bring in Sean Longstaff, Harry Winks, Maitland-Niles and Neil Maupay to really strike fear into the hearts of the Top 12!!

He will be 32 in a couple of weeks. If it's Kean out and him in, then it's just another step in the wrong direction.

I don't get the negativity, he will be brought in as a back-up player and only a back-up.

An insurance policy when Calvert-Lewin has an injury, niggle or needs to rest and recover. The system we are adapting means he will slot into it when Calvert-Lewin is out. He is strong and has presence in the box, he can get goals from the bench which is something we have been sorely lacking of late.

He's 32 but that doesn't mean he's a geriatric, as a purely back-up player to keep us strong in times of injury or fixture congestion and someone who will understand and accept his role, a bit like Giroud has done for Chelsea over the last few years.

As a free signing, and as back-up player to Calvert-Lewin, it makes sense.

He isn't very good; that's the reason for the negativity.

Man Utd get Christiano Ronaldo, we get Salomon Rondon! I feel like crying... Also, isn't he the guy who broke James McCarthy's leg? Not that I blame him for that tackle, it was a terrible footballing accident, but still.

As a backup option, he isn't the worst idea in the world – at least he can hit the back of the net.

I know we'd all like to be linked to sexier names, but guess what: sexy names aren't coming here to sit on the bench behind Calvert-Lewin.

Agree Bill, we need to get real here. A potential superstar coming in will need to start (Diaz, Richarlison and Gray behind Calvert-Lewin oh my days!!!) We realistically need a big strong brute who can slot in when needed but who doesn't expect to start.

Now, say what you like about Rondon but there are two factors here which may just work in our favour:

1. He played his best footie under Rafa and they have a bit of a mutual respect "love-in" thing going on;

2. If I recall, he has previously made positive comments about our fans. There was an incident in a game vs Newcastle a few years back but can't remember the details.

It would be an okay back-up option; my preference would be for 1-year loan.

If we keep Richarlison, this all looks very promising. Rondon is a decent but unspectacular player – with possibly Simms or Jebbison lined up to take his place when ready. Sensible business.

In previous years, we might have spent tens of millions on this standard of player.

He's a decent enough player for nothing, and could definitely come in and do a job when called upon, but I'd much prefer the kid from Celtic though because he's got years in front of him, and is also a much better goalscorer.

We should be going for Jesse Lingard playing alongside Doucouré with Allan in the hole behind. Wingers Gray and Richarilson with Calvert-Lewin up top. That has a good balance to it and goals across the midfield.

Stop messing and get Jesse. With Ronaldo signed, they will need to make space, he lives in the North-West... no-brainer!

Tony,

Are you seriously comparing him to Giroud? A serial cup winner with club and country. Just because they're around the same age, certainly doesn't mean that they're of the same standard. It would mean just another sub-standard player getting in the way of our youth players coming through.

It's okay, folks, Moshiri has heard that Walking Football is the next big thing. Insoles Express have the advertising rights and Bunion Pads R-Us are very interested in the naming rights at Bramley-Moore Dock.

As a man approaching 61, with a few foot issues myself, I can honestly say that I feel more involved with this new type of football and the great news is that wonderful old players, Morgan Schneiderlin, Per Krøldrup and Antolin Alcaraz have all been signed for our first team. Rondon will provide some youthfull vigour.

Highly conditional for me:

1) Richarlison stays and Rondon is backup only – if Richarlison goes, we need an equal calibre goalscorer.

2) On a free, not a loan (need to save the loans and use elsewhere, ideally Dalot and Malang Sarr for me).

3) 1+1 deal maximum on reasonable wage with the optional extra year our call.

Ideal squad come 1 September...

1st XI:
Pickford
Dalot Godfrey Sarr Digne
Gray Allan Doucouré Diaz
Calvert-Lewin Richarlison

2ndXI:
Begovic
Coleman Mina Holgate Nkounkou
Townsend Gomes Davies Iwobi
Rondon Simms

I remember a few seasons ago when Rondon did a one-man demolition job on our defence – scored a brace I think.

Still don't want him though.

I agree, Colin, he's also 32 in a couple of weeks. I know that's doesn't mean he's past it and like many in our squad there is no sell-on value. He ain't 36-year-old Ronaldo either. That said, it really is hard to think Wayne Rooney is only 35.

He could surprise a few here because he has genuine ability the only issue is being a big man he could turn into a fat bastard quite quickly if China was his semi retirement plan.

Although surely Beni knows his take-away consumption from managing him there. I'm all for it.

Surprised and yet not surprised by the negativity.

I reckon Rondon may be more useful than a few of you perceive. In his last season under Benitez he scored 11 goals in 32 games for a very poor Newcastle. He's strong as an ox and by all accounts a very solid and reliable professional. Perfect attitude for a bench player.

A free transfer probably on mid level wages for 2 years. I'd say it's a no-brainer and that he could be a very solid back up for very little outlay.

I'd prefer Edouard but he will cost money. If we get Diaz, Rondon and a right back (Patterson, Dalot, Maitland-Niles) I would be pretty content. Sensible if unspectacular business, the opposite of what's gone before arguably.

Gray, Townsend, Maupay? Rondon,? I'm sorry but no. I could say a lot more... these players won't take us to the next level, they could at a push keep us to the level we are. I think Moshiri's ambitions have levelled off.

The sooner this window closes the better. We're being linked with every Tom, Dick and even Harry Winks. It'll probably come down to a late stopgap loan.

Say a lot more David, but I also think that we must consider FFP, and how reckless we have been over the last few seasons.

As usual Tony Everan talks sense. He is big,strong,free of charge and would likely be happy to start mostly on the bench allowing us to spend what money we are allowed to spend on other areas. Wages would be unlikely to be a problem as he must have done pretty well out in China.

Tony, reckless is one word for it. We've spent more on paying off managers than Burnley have on players. Okay l made that stat up... but its probably true!

I wouldn't disagree David, especially when you think of the wages some of these managers have pilfered.

Yes, looking forward to the window closing so we can concentrate on what's on the pitch.

Seems Richarlison is to stay according to Benitez. I wonder what will happen if a big offer is tabled.

Get Rondon in. He's a good striker who puts himself about and knows where the goal is. I would of like Pereira but I think he's moved on. Edouard and Diaz would be good too. Plenty of options and cover for each striker.

It looks to me like our "next level" is a repetition of the Moyes days whereby dependable, inexpensive journeymen are being gathered to give comfortable stability and plug wastrel spending to protect the new build.

On the face of it not an appetizing prospect but understandable from the Mosh stand point and with todays modern players being much of a muchness a gilt edged opportunity for a good coach to do "something".

Quite hopeful from what I've seen so far

Please god, no! We have become a retirement home for senior players and last big payment for other clubs rejects!

@ David Pearl - have you been watching Gray play recently?
Townsend hasn't been too terrible either - both signed for buttons and offering pace and guile on the flanks to feed our top 2.

You may also have seen that we've done the BIG SPENDER routine and that didn't work out so well, so maybe it's not terrible to try a different tact?

N.b. I do agree on Maupay mind.

I just read that Rondon is on £250k a week out in China. Unless he's taking a massive pay cut, then this story is utter rubbish.

Sell-on value? Retirement home? The talk is of a free transfer so why do you necessarily need sell-on value?

It's also mentioned that he wants to leave China so he must understand that his wages will drop dramatically? Not a problem if he isn't greedy or hasn't blown the massive amount of money he will have earned over the years.

On the right terms, seems like he could be worth a go as a back-up striker to bolster the squad.

Sensible to have back up for Calvert-Lewin so we don't have to completely change our system if he gets injured.

We have no one like Calvert-Lewin in the squad and for free and low wages Rondon as a bench-warmer makes sense.

Si and Drew

I concur. A here-and-now, experienced back-up makes sense. As for sell-on value, is that even a thing at Everton?

"These players won't take us to the next level...". How much higher than joint top of the league would you all like them to take us?

Has anyone thought, that, if Rafa Benitez thinks you're a good player, there's a fair chance he's right?!

Might be getting a bit carried away there, Nicholas. 2 wins and a draw against Southampton, Leeds and Brighton might have us joint top, but it doesn't make the players suddenly at top-of-the-table standard.

Benitez thinking someone would be a worthwhile addition to Everton doesn't equate to him thinking they're better than mid-table level.

I don't know what's more nerve-racking? The evacuation from Kabul airport or Everton's transfer dealings?

Obviously the former, but you know what I mean like. Rondon is a decent, solid pro. Benitez is concentrating on the now so I agree with Ernie.

Some accused Ancelotti's "pulling power" of being based on signing his mates. Isn't that what most managers do? They always tend to go for players they know and trust? Then they blend that with a few new and different signings. Allan, James but then Doucouré, Godfrey and Nkounkou. Only 2 of those were his mates.

Moyes, when he went to Manchester United, didn't cast his new found riches and net. He came for Baines and Fellani.

Benitez is doing similar. Townsend and the back-up keeper. Links with Rondon and (I forget his name), the midfielder. But then he's brought in Gray who is quickly turning into a fans' favourite and I'm sure there will be a couple more comings and goings before the deadline.

Like with their backroom staff, it's what most managers do. It's what I and others do in all of our professional lives when hiring people.

Good or bad, this guy is currently earning £250k a week.

Don't have a problem with him as a back-up striker who is prepared to sit on the bench. Younger players these days aren't prepared to do that, it seems.

No to Rondon. Bang average. Get James out and get the kid from Celtic and a right back.

As long as it's a 1-year contract with an option to extend for 1 more year then it would be a good deal.

Given Benitez knows exactly what he can deliver and Rondon knows exactly what the manager wants. Another good thing is he knows he would be an impact sub or back-up.

Romdon. It's better to have him and not need him than to need him and not have him.

David,

As our next level will be above 10th place that we achieved last season, what we have so far signed plus the type of player the manager prefers, I believe we can reach at least 8th and that will take us to a higher level than last season.

As far as signing Rondon, we have been associated with so many players in this transfer window, I will believe it when I see it.

All is forgiven, Brands, if you can get Lingard on loan, paying only half his wages, till his contract runs out and we can then sign him on a free!

Yer know, just like what you did with Walcott.

I thought we played the perfect away game yesterday. Hope Allan and Gray can keep their fitness and form.

Jon - 45

Well said. Its a decent stop gap. Free. Reduced wages. Won't expect to be starting. Mutual respect with Rafa. Look how Townsend and Gray have turned out :D

Bill, l think we can finish Top 7 with the squad we have but of course it all depends on the injuries we have and whether the likes of Gbamin, Gomes and perhaps Davies can come in and do a job. I'm quietly confident Gomes will have a good season.

Imagine what the ToffeeWeber's vibe would have been when we signed:

Peter Reid
Neville Southall
Andy Gray

If all you can do is moan, it's probably you and not the club!

Josh King Mk 2! Deal is very close to being concluded, according to Alan Myers!!!

I'd rather have Rondon than Edouard.

I seem to remember he bullied us when they came from behind to win 3-2, so there is an effective player there, no question. Sounds like your ideal back up option for a team with no money to spend.

I'm sorry but if anyone believes that, if Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison gets injured, that Rondon will step up, then I honestly lose all hope.

Soren,

Rondon is fuck all like Josh King.

Could be a good bit of business this. He's a menace.

I think Josh King is slightly better and younger, Soren, so for me, he would have been a better bet on a free but I'm still hoping we can do better.

Rondon will probably cost less than Josh King and probably work harder. He's more effective than many on here realise. Here's a little stat from Twitter:

“Salomon Rondon in 18-19 put up 11 goals & 7 assists in 2600 Premier League minutes for a Newcastle team that only scored 42. I don't believe Everton have had more than 1 player put up 18 open play goal contributions since 2000. If he's cheap and allows us to buy RB/RW, no problem.”

I wonder if any of the people saying he's not good enough said the same about Gray and Townsend?

I remember Liverpool beating Newcastle 3-2 during that season, Sam, and Rondon was very, very effective, playing that night.

I think Van Dijk is a very good player, but he wouldn't go near Rondon, until he ran out steam around the 70-minute mark that night. Probably because he knew he couldn't bully him, and waited until Rondon, who was playing up front by himself, had ran himself into the ground.

As back up to Calvert-Lewin, he's not a bad option.

His strong point is his aerial ability, which is also Calvert-Lewin's strong point. When we need to cross the ball, someone to hold it up, and rely on set pieces, he'll be a good option to have. Benitez has worked with him and he knows what he can do. He's also readily available – obviosuly will need a wage cut.

At 31, for the style of player he is, he's got plenty of gas left in the tank.

This, along with Townsend and Gray are the sort of deal we used to make when we were a half decent team.

Someone like Edouard would probably be more exciting and maybe better in the long run – but it is not a guarantee. With limited funds, we need to shop smart.

He is on £250k per week contract in China so how much do you think we'll spent on his wages!? He's definitely not as cheap as some might think on here.

Well, so far, Benitez has brought in two outfield players and a backup keeper and although early days, the outfield players are doing a decent job, and getting us up the pitch a lot quicker.

Looking at Brands and Walsh's incoming players, I am happy to take Benetiz choices for now.

Moyes and Benitez are similar, both have their own style and preferred to bring their own players in, rather than work with a Director of Football.

If things carry on in a positive way under Rafa, I would not be suprised if we let Brands leave, and leave future transfers to Rafa.

Soren, reports as to his current wages vary I believe. Some have him on £125k. As do the reports on his current teams ability and willingness to continue such high wages.

I think he was on something like £70k at Newcastle and I'd expect him to be on similar if he wanted to come to Everton but we shall see.

Rondon, a latter day David Johnson, deffo no, but I'd take him over the Celtic lad, who seems to have wheened and not passed the ultimate tests, in the last couple of seasons in Scotland.

Rondon would be better than Stracqualursi!

Those were some days, but needs must and let's see.

Paul Dewhurst. You mean the 27-year-old injury-prone Andy Gray?

Sometimes we just have to except managers will bring in their own staff. We can have an opinion, but some of the best signings have been the less glamorous as you call out.

Paul Power. Remember how underwhelmed we were on that one? A veteran from a Man City side that probably wasn't as good as Newcastle Utd are now. Brought in as cover and ended up being a mainstay of a title winning side.

I accidentally came across a Sky Sports News article on 'MAJOR' signings for Everton within 48 hours.

What the fuck – to my amusement, Rondon, a major signing? What nonsense is this? A 31-year-old, drawing his last fat salary in the Chinese Super League?

Hopefully some positive news on Luis Diaz from Porto... yes... please. Send James Rodriguez there, paying him without playing, just ain't right...

Danny O'Neil - yep - players nobody really wanted like, Arteta, Pienaar or when we snatched Tim Cahill from under the nose of Crystal Palace too! Or we could get excited about big money signings like Slaven Billic, Claus Thompson, Stephen Hughes, Niasse, Danny Williamson. I think of it this way who would you rather sign again Sylvian Distan or Per Kroldrup

Seems like a perfectly reasonable back up option for no fee fee or a nominal one. Quite possibly better than King ever appeared to be. Adds some depth to the wafer thin squad for one, or two years at most, and that's about it.

Yep, definitely a back up with experience and probably a decent deal especially with Tosun still getting paid for being a long term sick note.

Anyone see the miss by Edouard yesterday in the Glasgow Derby. Head in the hands job that was.🤦‍♂️

Aroune Kone springs to mind.

He'll be on a big salary in China as that is the only reason anyone would play there. Whether it is £250k or £125k a week, it doesn't represent value when we are trying to get the wage bill down.

Give this a massive swerve.

Recruitment to the bench, knows the Premier League and the Venezuela international has scored 26 goals in 61 appearances during his spells working with Benitez - a good return for a back-up player? Then we just need to strenghten other areas by signing a starter.

Per Kroldrup. Shakes head.

Just been watching Sky Sports and looks like this is on.

Interestingly, Leicester apparently in talks with RB Leipzig for Lookman.

He can lead the line and likes to stay in and around the box so perfect to come on for Dom. He can do a job and fits the profile a lot better than King.

Lets face it, apart from the right back area we have done a lot of the hard work on signings over the last few years. Gray was a signing that really gives us balance and allows us to play on the front foot more.

Seems like Lookman and Vlassic could both make it back to the prem this window. Wonder if we have sell on fees for them both?

Off the top of my head, Lookman and Vlassic, are the only two players that Brands has found it easy to shift? And it therefore wouldn't surprise me if serious question marks start getting asked about our director of football, although maybe a lot of the damage was done before he arrived at Everton?

I was always disappointed Vlasic and Everton never worked out. Just as I am with Moise Kean.

Of topic slightly, but when we talk of academies, there's another good one. Hadjuk Split.

West Ham for £25M. Seen as better value than a similar price tag for Lingard according to the Guardian report.

Still only 23.

Tony, those questions started a while back. Remember the season he bought in 3 injured players... wasn't it Digne, Gomes and Mina?

Danny, if we get James off our books l wouldn't mind Lingard. Does he really want to spend the season on the bench again after last seasons impact? I will be suprised if Vlassic goes to West Ham and achieves half of what Lingard did.

I'd definitely take Lingard David.

I'd be happy with Lingard, Maitland-Niles, and a back-up striker. As long as Benitez is.

Ainsley is versatile and under-rated. Another case of face don't fit, like Demarai. Needs some luuuurve.

Better than Joshua King, I suppose. As mentioned above, sexier names won't come to this Everton without European football and better have him and don't need him than need him and don't have him. Spot-on comments, these two.

Benitez is really pragmatic in the transfer market, he doesn't moan and I totally respect his approach and attitude.

I see Hudson Odoi is the latest one to be linked. This has all the feel of us leaking names to journalists when we go for players knowing we can't afford them or our low offers won't be accepted. The club will then come out and say 'we tried' as we are left with Rondon as the only incoming transfer.

Calvert-Lewin injured, Rondon unfortunately is looking more like it.

Hate to say it but we never replaced Lukaku and we are still suffering for it.

We all have to accept, there is no Europan football to offer, and never played in Champions League group stages even at all. The manager has an ever harder task, as the players who don't contribute enough/always injured or phenomenal salaries (or all 3), no one else wants. Rafa's doing a good job at the moment with all the barriers he has.

It's interesting that Nikola Vlasic is possibly going to the Hammers. It's too late (I know). But I wish we kept him and Lookman.

Troy Deeney (33) for free over Rondon, I'd take that. Though Everton might need to sell Deeney already next season.