From Liga MX to LaLiga: Star Pachuca striker in line for return to Spanish soccer
Real Oviedo are reported to be closing in on a deal for a forward who has plenty of experience of playing in the European game.
Pachuca striker Salomón Rondón is on the verge of making his return to European soccer. Reports have emerged this weekend linking the Venezuelan striker with a move to Real Oviedo, who earned promotion to Spain’s LaLiga earlier this month.
The transfer appears to be progressing smoothly, thanks in part to Pachuca and Oviedo’s shared ownership under Grupo Pachuca. The Spain edition of this newspaper has confirmed that negotiations are already underway.
A veteran of European soccer
Rondón is no stranger to European competition. After debuting with Aragua FC in his native Venezuela, he made the move to Spain in 2008 with Las Palmas.
His European journey has since included stints with Spanish club Málaga, Russians Rubin Kazan and Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Premier League sides West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United.
In December 2023, Rondón transferred to Pachuca from River Plate and quickly became a fan favorite.
Rondón rips it up at Pachuca
During the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, he delivered back-to-back hat tricks - first in the second leg of the round of 16 against MLS franchise Philadelphia Union, then in the first leg of the quarter-finals against Costa Rica’s Herediano.
Rondón capped off the tournament with a brace in the final against Columbus Crew, finishing with nine goals overall - making him the highest-scoring Venezuelan in intercontinental club competitions.
Rondón’s form at Pachuca also earned him the captain’s armband for Venezuela during the 2024 Copa América. He contributed an assist against Ecuador and scored in matches against Mexico, Jamaica and Canada.
He was also a standout performer for Pachuca at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, where the team faced top-tier opponents in the shape of LaLiga giants Real Madrid, Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia.
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