The official statement was short and sweet.
The reaction from Everton supporters was as blunt as it gets.
But the announcement could end up being a significant one for Frank Lampard and Everton moving forward.
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READ MORE: Salomon Rondon's Everton career is over after contract decision made
The news that Salomon Rondon had left Everton with immediate effect after reaching an agreement with the club to terminate his contract on Friday was never going to break the internet.
It was a decision that was never going to get the blood of supporters boiling and leave them asking major questions of the club’s hierarchy like previous transfer and contract calls have.
You were never going to get the outpouring love of emotion that was shown towards Richarlison when he left for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, either.
As, at the end of the day, this is a man who has scored just three goals for Everton in his time at the club. Two of which came against Boreham Wood of the National League.
Signed by Rafa Benitez at the end of the 2021 summer transfer window, it always felt like the forward was playing catch up after arriving at the club lacking match fitness following a spell in China.
Although it is worth remembering that the forward did impress coaches at Everton when he undertook a hard-hitting training regime involving boxing, spinning and extra cardio work in a bid to get himself fit.
However, it just always felt like it was never going to happen for the forward at Goodison Park. Some supporters will say that is because Rondon simply wasn’t good enough, while others will claim the forward was perhaps a bit unlucky with the way things worked out.
An example of this being at the start of this campaign when Rondon was unavailable for selection due to a suspension he picked up towards the end of last season against Brentford. Without a recognised fit forward due to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury, that could have been his chance to show Frank Lampard what he can do.
But instead, the Venezuela international, who has scored a credible seven goals in 12 games for his country this year, was forced to watch on and dropped further down the pecking order when Neal Maupay arrived at the club from Brighton & Hove Albion towards the end of the summer window.
Even as the World Cup approached, the forward, who made just one start this season against Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Blues boss Lampard opted to give opportunities to younger players, with Tom Cannon earning minutes in the league and cup games at Bournemouth just before the break.
But just because Rondon wasn’t part of Lampard's plans doesn't mean he had to leave the club. He could have easily stayed and saw out the final few months of his contract that was due to expire in June.
Plenty of others at the club in the past have hung around until the bitter end of their deal, collecting their weekly wage without kicking a ball in the process. And for that Rondon deserves credit, he’s chosen to go and play over money. A rare move in football these days.
But the departure of the forward could also be crucial in terms of Everton’s plans for the January transfer window, which is now just weeks away from opening.
As reported by the ECHO earlier this month, Everton have a list of players drawn up to target during the January transfer window. Strengthening Frank Lampard’s attacking options is the priority.
Lampard told the ECHO preparations for the window had been ongoing for some time, and that he, and director of football Kevin Thelwell, who he gets on well with, have a list of targets and are in constant communication over their plans.
It is no secret that Everton are working under financial restrictions. Every penny needs to be spent wisely and this January window already has a huge feeling about it.
Everton will return to Premier League action next Monday one place above the drop zone and in desperate need of all three points against Wolves, who currently occupy bottom place.
Lampard and Thelwell oversaw some fine work during the summer, but the fact the Blues are once again on the brink of being dragged into another relegation battle, is a clear indication that more incomings are needed next month.
The ECHO understands that Blues boss Lampard is plotting to sign two attacking players next month, and the departure of Rondon could be crucial in helping them deals over the line with the club no longer having to pay his wages.
The announcement of Rondon leaving the club might not feel like it now, but come the end of the season it could be viewed as a significant moment in the club’s season.
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