Newcastle transfer news: Salomon Rondon hopes for St James’ Park stay after thriving on loan under Rafa Benitez

The Venezuelan scored in the 3-2 loss against Liverpool in what could be his final game for the club

Salomon Rondon admits his time at Newcastle could be over but hopes to stay after thriving on loan from West Brom this season.

Rondon has played a crucial role for Rafa Benitez’s side during his season-long loan and scored in the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.

But with a year remaining on his contract at West Brom, the Venezuelan admits he may have played his final at St James’ Park.

“I can’t answer that question because you never know what happens in football,” Rondon said. “Yes, maybe it is my last game here.

“That would be a shame for my family because they are settled here. But this is football, sometimes it happens, sometimes you have to decide. It is out of my hands and I will have to wait.

“I am really happy here. My family is happy. But it is not down to me. We don’t know what will happen with Rafa as well so we have to wait.

“Now I have my mind on the Copa America with the national team. After that, we will see what happens.”

Rondon believes a permanent move could depend on whether West Brom achieve promotion from the Championship.

“At the moment, I have to wait and see if West Brom get promoted or not,” Rondon explained. “This is the first reason. If they are promoted or not, I have to go back there.

“And after that, I have to wait. I have to see if Rafa stays. There are many things – Newcastle, West Brom, Rafa, me. The only thing I can say is that I have to wait.”

The 29-year-old has been productive in front of goal, scoring nine and assisting seven in the Premier League, though he concedes it is not quite the best season of his career.

Rondon celebrates his goal vs Liverpool (Getty)

“No, it’s not the best because when I was in Spain I scored 16 goals,” Rondon explaind. “But I am happy. I try to score goals.

“Sometimes you miss, but I can play an assist. I always try to do my best. I think is the reason Rafa brought me – to try to help the team and try to score goals.”