While Newcastle were signing no one, a former number nine was linking up with an ex-Toon manager elsewhere.
Deadline day was grim for Newcastle fans, as Mike Ashley let down Steve Bruce and left him with a squad that may or may not be good enough to remain in the Premier League.
On the other side of the country, Rafa Benitez completed an astute transfer window by signing Salomon Rondon for Everton.
The Spaniard hasn’t had much money to spend since arriving at Goodison Park. In fact, he’s spent less than Newcastle this summer.
But the Toffees have got off to a great start, sitting sixth with seven points.
And their final signing was a man Toon fans would have loved to re-sign – Salomon Rondon.
The forward is back in the Premier League for the first time since his Newcastle loan spell, where he enjoyed his best year in English football.
After the deal was confirmed, Rondon paid tribute to his new manager – a man who has now signed him for his past three clubs.
“I can’t wait to pull on the shirt and be reunited with Rafa Benítez, a coach who has changed the way I understand the game,” he told Everton’s official website.
“I’m really grateful for the faith he’s shown in me.”
Comments made by Salomon Rondon show what Newcastle let go in Rafa Benitez
Rondon is clearly buzzing to play for Benitez again. The 31-year-old was a star at St James’ Park during his year-long loan, scoring 12 goals.
It’s already difficult for Toon fans seeing Everton thrive with their former manager. It will be even more painful when Rondon is leading the line and scoring goals.
While Newcastle wonder how they will survive with Bruce, they can look over at Goodison Park and wonder what might have been.
Rondon’s comments show how much pull Benitez has got. Players want to play for him and know he will improve them. Can you say the same about Bruce?
Everton have done limited business this summer on a shoestring budget. But you just know Benitez will make it work – he did exactly that at Newcastle.
Seeing the Rondon/Benitez partnership thrive once more will rub salt in the already gaping wounds of Toon fans.
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