Back in the 2018/19 season when Sheffield United were promoted, one of the key aspects to getting over the line was squad depth.
A key part of that depth was the business Chris Wilder did in January. At the time, Wilder was backed by the board and brought in Gary Madine, Scott Hogan, and Kieran Dowell. All three played a vital role in helping United up.
Madine got himself a few goals. Hogan scored the crucial opener against Ipswich to seal the deal, while Kieran Dowell’s header at West Brom was one of the most crucial goals of the season.
And with January around the corner and United once again in a position to challenge, Paul Heckingbottom will have one eye on who is available to strengthen his squad further. With that in mind, Everton striker, Salomon Rondon, could well be a name worth considering by the Blades boss.
Rondon leaving Everton
Reports this week have emerged to suggest that Frank Lampard will release Rondon in January. The powerful Venezuelan striker has struggled to settle at Goodison and is down the pecking order somewhat.
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However, that doesn’t mean that he is suddenly of no use to anyone. Indeed, he is a player a club like Sheffield United could take a look at.
Rondon has scored goals in his career. Transfermarkt lists him as having 38 in 93 international appearances. That’s not a record to be sniffed at.
Sure, at 33, he’s in the latter stages of his career now. But this is a player who has played at high levels. Spells with Newcastle, West Brom, Rubin Kazan, Zenit St Petersburg and lately, Everton, are no fluke. Rondon has, over the years, proven himself to be a more than capable striker.
And if he’s going to be available for nothing, then he could well help United get over the line.
Experience counts
It’s widely accepted that as a club, United won’t be busy in January in terms of incomings. That might change if we sell Iliman Ndiaye or Sander Berge. But for now, a host of incomings look unlikely.
But with Rondon, you do feel he could have a similar impact to that aforementioned impact of Madine and co. His experience could well help United over the line and given he plays up front, he’d be another reliable name to take the pressure off the likes of McBurnie and Sharp.
Rondon plays very much like a battering ram. He is high energy, power, and doesn’t mind putting himself in the mix. Perfect, then, for the Championship.
Sure, wages might be an issue and Paul Heckingbottom might trust in his young players like Daniel Jebbison. But in terms of available players who can help the Blades to promotion, Salomon Rondon is one to be consider.