Newcastle United set to agree first summer transfer as club chief suggests major U-turn

Newcastle United appear to be on the verge of completing a shrewd summer signing, with Malaga winger Antonio Cordero reportedly nearing a pre-contract agreement. The 18-year-old Spaniard, whose contract expires in June, has held talks with the Magpies and even visited Tyneside earlier this year with his family—a strong indication that a deal is in the works.

Despite interest from Portuguese giants Porto, Newcastle remain the frontrunners to secure Cordero’s signature on a free transfer. However, Malaga’s general manager, Kike Perez, hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of a last-minute contract renewal, though such a scenario seems increasingly unlikely.

Antonio Cordero’s Breakthrough Season (2023-24 Stats)

Cordero has enjoyed a breakout campaign with Malaga, contributing five goals and six assists across 30 appearances. His performances have also earned him a regular spot in Spain’s U19 squad, where he has continued to impress with his attacking flair.

The Magpies are no strangers to signing young talent with high potential, and Cordero fits perfectly into their recruitment strategy.

Should the deal go through, he is expected to follow a similar path to Yankuba Minteh, who was signed from Odense in 2023 and immediately loaned to Feyenoord for development.

Newcastle have already secured another promising youngster, Vakhtang Salia, from Dinamo Tbilisi, with plans to loan him out next season. Cordero would likely undergo the same process—spending time away on loan to gain first-team experience before being integrated into Eddie Howe’s squad.

This model has become a crucial part of Newcastle’s transfer policy, particularly under the constraints of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The club was forced to sell Minteh to Brighton last summer to avoid financial penalties, highlighting the importance of smart, future-focused signings.

As sporting director Paul Mitchell explained earlier this year:

“Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, especially within the current PSR framework. The market is fiercely competitive, but we’re committed to identifying players who can progress through our talent pathway and eventually break into the first team.”

Malaga’s Last-Ditch Hope to Keep Cordero

While Newcastle are confident of finalizing the deal, Malaga haven’t completely given up on retaining their young star. Perez admitted that while the situation looks difficult, he remains hopeful—albeit cautiously.

“I still have hope,” Perez told PTV Malaga’s Zona Deporte. “Not just as Malaga’s general director, but as someone who understands football. Things can change quickly. As long as players give everything for the club while they’re here, I have no complaints.”

What Cordero Could Bring to Newcastle

A technically gifted winger with pace and creativity, Cordero has the raw attributes to develop into a top-tier Premier League player. His ability to take on defenders, deliver precise crosses, and contribute goals makes him an exciting prospect.

Newcastle’s structured development plan—combining strategic loans with long-term integration—could be the perfect environment for him to flourish. If he follows in the footsteps of Minteh, who thrived at Feyenoord before his sale, Cordero could become another success story in Newcastle’s growing portfolio of young talent.

With financial regulations tightening, Newcastle are increasingly focusing on high-potential signings who can either become first-team stars or be sold for profit. Cordero fits this profile perfectly—a low-risk, high-reward acquisition that aligns with the club’s vision.

As the summer transfer window approaches, securing Cordero would be a significant step in reinforcing Newcastle’s squad depth while adhering to PSR restrictions. For now, all signs point to the Magpies winning the race for one of Spain’s most promising young wingers.