‘Here we go!’ – Fabrizio Romano confirms Newcastle United deal for Real Madrid & Barcelona transfer target

In a transfer market masterstroke, Newcastle United have secured the signature of Spanish prodigy Antonio Cordero, beating out fierce competition from Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Portuguese powerhouse Porto. The 18-year-old Malaga winger, whose contract expires this summer, has chosen Tyneside as the next step in his burgeoning career after an extensive courtship by the Magpies’ recruitment team.

Fabrizio Romano’s trademark “here we go” confirmation on social media signaled the completion of the deal, marking a significant victory for Newcastle’s revamped scouting operation.

“Newcastle have completed the deal to sign Spanish 18-year-old talent Antonio Cordero from Malaga,” Romano announced. “Barça and Real Madrid were both keen on signing Cordero; he picked Newcastle.” This statement underscores the growing pull of the Magpies’ project, even when competing against the most prestigious names in European football.

Born in the football hotbed of Jerez, Cordero’s journey began through the youth systems of Cadiz, Sevilla, and Real Betis before landing at Malaga in 2021. His rapid development saw him tear through the ranks, making an immediate impact with Malaga’s B-team in Spain’s fifth tier, where his 12 goals in just 17 appearances turned heads across the country.

This season has seen Cordero establish himself as a genuine force in La Liga 2, contributing 5 goals and 6 assists in 32 appearances for Malaga’s first team. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed by Spanish youth selectors either, with call-ups to both the U18 and U19 national teams cementing his status as one of Spain’s most exciting prospects.

Malaga’s general director, Perez, recently expressed mixed emotions about Cordero’s impending departure: “I have hope because… I’m saying this as someone who works in football. Things will happen and, in the end, we’ll see what happens.” His wistful comments reveal the high regard in which the young winger is held at La Rosaleda.

The Cordero acquisition represents the latest piece in Newcastle’s strategic puzzle under sporting director Paul Mitchell. Since arriving from Monaco last summer, Mitchell has quietly revolutionized the club’s approach to talent identification, focusing on securing Europe’s brightest young prospects before they command premium prices.

This strategy has already yielded dividends through players like Yankuba Minteh, purchased for £7 million in 2023 and later sold to Brighton for £33 million without making a single appearance for Newcastle.

While not every young signing has followed this trajectory – as seen with Miodrag Pivas’ challenging loan spell at Willem II – the overall approach demonstrates long-term thinking within the constraints of Financial Fair Play regulations.

Mitchell’s network has cast a wide net across Europe, bringing in Georgian forward Vaktang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi and Turkish midfielder Baran Yildiz from Genclerbirligi. These signings, coupled with the Cordero coup, illustrate Newcastle’s commitment to building what Mitchell describes as “a sustainable future” through extensive domestic and international scouting.

“Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework,” Mitchell explained last year. “We continue to scout extensively with a view to securing players who can come through our talent pathway and become part of the first team in future.”

What Cordero Brings to Tyneside

The left-footed winger combines traditional Spanish technical qualities with surprising physicality for his age. Comfortable operating on either flank, Cordero’s direct running, close control, and eye for goal make him equally threatening as a creator and finisher.

His adaptation to senior football at just 17 speaks to a maturity beyond his years, a trait that undoubtedly appealed to Newcastle’s decision-makers.

While immediate first-team involvement seems unlikely given Newcastle’s current attacking options, the club’s hierarchy views Cordero as a long-term project with sky-high potential. His development path may mirror recent young signings – possibly including a carefully selected loan spell – but the underlying message is clear: Newcastle are building for tomorrow while competing today.

In beating Spain’s biggest clubs to Cordero’s signature, Newcastle have sent a powerful message about their growing appeal and scouting prowess. As the club continues to navigate financial regulations while aiming for consistent European competition, identifying and securing talents like Cordero may prove just as crucial as their big-money first-team signings in the years to come.