‘100%’ – Manager reveals conversation with Newcastle United’s first summer transfer

Malaga’s teenage sensation Antonio Cordero finds himself at the center of growing transfer speculation as Newcastle United appear poised to secure his signature this summer.

The 18-year-old winger, whose contract with the Spanish second-division side expires in June, has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents, with Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly monitoring his situation before Newcastle moved decisively to the front of the queue.

Malaga manager Sergio Pellicer addressed the swirling rumors during his pre-match press conference ahead of their crucial clash with Eibar, revealing he’s held direct conversations with the Spain U19 international about his future.

“I talked to him and he’s 100% focused on our objectives,” Pellicer stated, carefully sidestepping direct confirmation of the transfer while emphasizing Cordero’s professional commitment to Malaga’s relegation battle. The young forward’s mature response to the speculation speaks volumes about his character, continuing to deliver for a struggling side with five goals and six assists across 33 appearances this campaign.

Newcastle’s planned approach for Cordero mirrors their successful development strategy with Yankuba Minteh, who flourished during his loan spell at Feyenoord before being sold for significant profit.

The Magpies appear set to follow a similar blueprint, with Dutch powerhouse Ajax already expressing interest in taking Cordero on loan next season. This carefully structured pathway allows promising talents to develop away from the immediate pressures of Premier League football while maintaining their value within Newcastle’s player trading model.

However, Newcastle’s loan system has produced mixed results in recent years. While Minteh’s development in the Netherlands proved the model’s potential, Garang Kuol’s struggles at Hearts and FC Volendam serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of selecting the right environment.

The club’s recruitment team will be acutely aware that Cordero’s next destination could make or break his development trajectory, particularly for a player who has shown such promise in Spain’s physical Segunda Division.

Cordero’s technical profile suggests he could thrive in possession-based systems, with his ability to operate across the front line and penchant for direct dribbling (completing 1.8 successful take-ons per game) making him an intriguing long-term prospect.

His recent contributions for Spain’s youth teams, including a goal and assist against Italy’s U19s, further underline his potential at international level.

For Malaga, Cordero’s likely departure represents another blow to a club that once graced the Champions League quarterfinals. The Andalusian side’s financial struggles have forced them to become a selling club, though their academy continues producing talents like Cordero who attract Europe’s elite.

Their precarious league position – just five points above the relegation zone – makes Cordero’s continued focus all the more crucial to their survival hopes.

Newcastle’s move for Cordero signals their commitment to unearthing gems before their values skyrocket, a necessity given Financial Fair Play constraints.

While the immediate impact may not be felt at St James’ Park, the long-term vision is clear: develop elite talents through strategic loan moves, then either integrate them or sell for substantial profits to fund first-team reinforcements.

As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Cordero’s final performances for Malaga and the careful planning of his next developmental step.

For Newcastle’s recruitment team, the challenge will be ensuring this promising Spanish prospect doesn’t become another Garang Kuol case study, but rather follows the Yankuba Minteh blueprint to Premier League readiness.