According to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, Newcastle United are close to finalising a deal for Malaga wonderkid Antonio Cordero to join the club for free in the summer.
Newcastle may not have been ruthless in the transfer market over the last 12 months, but they have always had a keen eye for young talent worth developing since the Saudi-led takeover back in 2021.
Anthony Gordon was struggling in a relegation-battling Everton side before he joined Newcastle in January 2023 and has now become one of the most talked about forwards in the country, as well as earning his senior debut for England and being involved in the Euros last summer.
Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have become the full-back partnership most teams could only dream of, with the latter already a well-known emerging talent for his time at Southampton.
Hall, however, found himself struggling for opportunities to prove his worth at Chelsea, yet after a slow start during his season-long loan on Tyneside he has quickly become a non-negotiable in Howe’s best starting eleven and, like Livramento, has also featured for England.
It is safe to say that the project at Newcastle under Eddie Howe is built for young developing talent who are looking to take their game and strengths to the next level, which make them a tempting club to join for any young player with a point to prove.
It has been reported by transfer reporter Graeme Bailey that the North East giants are now finalising a deal for another teenage sensation who has the potential to become the perfect successor for Jacob Murphy.
Malaga forward Antonio Cordero is said to be closing on a move to Tyneside this summer on a free transfer, as his contract with the Spanish club is set to expire.
Speaking with the Geordie Boot Boys, Bailey revealed:
“Newcastle firmly think a deal is almost there,”
“Obviously you cannot say for definite until he is holding that black and white shirt up.”
“He’s a bright prospect. Newcastle are not bringing him in to be a first-team player straight away. You never know how quickly these players can progress. Does he stay with the Under-21s or do they loan him out? Obviously they will assess all of those options once he arrives.”
Who is Antonio Cordero?
Cordero has had an impressive season in La Liga 2 and has quickly earned the reputation of being one of the most promising young talents in Europe, which has prompted interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal.
Over 25 appearances in La Liga 2 this season, the Spanish sensation has scored four goals, registered five assists and created five big chances, as well as averaging 1.8 shots on goal and 1.9 ball recoveries per 90.
This acquisition would be a great prospect for the long-term future, but would almost certainly require Newcastle to further attack the market to find their perfect right winger to complete the current attacking threat.
It is unclear what the plans are for Cordero’s arrival on Tyneside whether that be loaning him out to earn Premier League or Championship experience, or whether he will be used as depth for the squad similarly to Lewis Miley, featuring in cup games and when injury issues hit.
Either way, there is no doubt that the 18-year-old is an extremely exciting prospect for the club and could be a household name like the other youngsters that have developed under Eddie Howe’s guidance.
