(Football news) Everton have announced that they are set to terminate Salomon Rondon’s contract as he has been allowed to depart the club with immediate effect. Throughout the summer transfer window, it was claimed that the forward would leave for different and new pastures before the September 1 deadline. However, given the uncertainty over the fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Rondon remained at Goodison Park to provide backup to the England international and Neal Maupay.
Up until the break for the World Cup, the Venezuelaian international was named in the matchday squad for the Premier League fixtures. But the 33-year-old would only make one start and six substitute appearances in the top flight, accumulating just 104 minutes. Rondon did not feature in the 2-0 defeat against Leicester on October 15 and the decision has been made by the club officials to allow the veteran to leave the Merseyside outfit. Everton, who are currently sitting in 17th position in the Premier League standings and are now expected to move for a replacement in the winter transfer window.
The Venezuelan forward was only signed for the Toffees in the summer of 2021, when he reunited with manager Rafael Benitez for the third time in his career, but he could only manage just three goals from 23 appearances in all competitions in his first season. He has since then deemed surplus to the requirements for the majority of the current campaign in Frank Lampard’s first full season in charge. Rondon’s departure means that Everton are extremely light in attack when it comes to strikers. Maupay on the other hand has scored just once since signing for Everton as they have scored the second fewest goals in the Premier League this season.
A statement read: “Salomon Rondon has left Everton with immediate effect after reaching an agreement with the club to terminate his contract. The Venezuela striker joined the Blues from Chinese team Dalian Professional in August 2021 and made 31 appearances for Everton, starting 13 matches and scoring three goals. The 33-year-old’s deal was initially due to end at the end of June 2023.”
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