· 24 August 2025, 14:30
**Newcastle United have had several players try to fill the Number 9 shirt as well as Alan Shearer did, with varying degrees of success, but one of the more fondly remembered players to do so was Salomon Rondon.**
The Venezuelan striker was adored on Tyneside during his one-year stint at the club before he and gaffer Rafa Benitez were ushered out of the door by Mike Ashley's underhanded tactics.
Rondon bagged 11 goals in his one season on loan at Newcastle before Mike Ashley refused to sanction a permanent move. Rafa Benitez then snapped up Rondon for his new club, Dalian Yifang in China.
Now with Real Oviedo in La Liga, Rondon has been speaking to [The Athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6569326/2025/08/23/salomon-rondon-oviedo-real-madrid-isak-newcastle/?source=athletic_weeklyemail&campaign=602288&userId=2437921) where he spoke about his time at Newcastle.
Salomon Rondon beaming with pride at joining Newcastle
Salomon Rondon wishes he could have played for the ambitious Newcastle
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The 35-year-old remembers his time fondly and is very proud of his Player of the Year achievement.
> “I had such a great time at Newcastle. The fans gave me their affection from the first minute, and St James’ Park was a marvellous place. It was a privilege to wear the No 9 shirt. I remember I was the first No 9 to win the fans’ player of the year award since Alan Shearer.
>
> “Things are completely different there now, for sure. It’s a pity not to have played for Newcastle when the club had more ambition.”
Salomon Rondon had his say on Alexander Isak
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As is almost expected these days, Rondon was asked for his views on the Alexander Isak situation too.
> “It’s a difficult issue to give an opinion on. Isak is a great player for Newcastle, has done great things for them. But you also have to understand the club does not want to lose a player like him. It’s a sad issue really, I hope it gets resolved as soon as possible.”
We often wonder what might have been if Mike Ashley had just coughed up the £16.5m to keep Rondon at Newcastle, and of course kept Rafa Benitez.