Newcastle Secure Spanish Talent Antonio Cordero in Free Transfer from Malaga

Newcastle United have signed 18-year-old Spanish winger Antonio Cordero. He joins the club on July 1 after leaving Malaga. The young player, known as Antoñito, will be loaned out for the 2025-26 season to help him develop.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Newcastle have signed promising Spanish teenager Cordero. The winger made 60 appearances for Malaga with seven goals and nine assists. He will officially join on July 1 when his contract ends. Newcastle plan to loan him out for development.

Cordero had interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid but chose Newcastle. The Spain Under-19 international is excited to join the Premier League and views it as a great place to grow his career.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Signing Cordero is a big deal for Newcastle, who beat European competition for his signature. Reports of the deal started in April, suggesting Newcastle had agreed terms early on.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell, set to leave Newcastle soon, played a key part in the transfer. He called Cordero “an exciting talent” and stressed the need to choose the right loan destination.

Newcastle are 7th in the Premier League with three games left in the 2024-25 season. They are two points behind Manchester United and three ahead of Brighton, aiming for European qualification.

WHAT CORDERO SAID

After joining Newcastle, Cordero told the club’s website: “It’s truly an honour to be here, truly a pleasure. I am a person who likes to aspire high. Why not come to one of the best places in the world to do it? It’s a big step, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here. I’m happy to do it and have a great desire to get going already.”

WHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?

Newcastle continue to invest in young talent. They already announced the expected arrival of Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi, who will turn 18 at the end of August. Newcastle’s focus for Cordero will be finding the right loan destination for his development.

Newcastle’s next match is against Liverpool at St. James’ Park on Sunday. They are pushing for European qualification and possibly a top-five finish. After their recent loss to Chelsea, it’s a vital game in their push to secure European football next season.