Exclusive: Newcastle United’s second signing now looks nailed on after Antonio Cordero announcement

Newcastle United appear poised to complete a sentimental piece of summer business with the impending signing of Fraser Forster, bringing the giant goalkeeper back to his boyhood club nearly two decades after first leaving Tyneside.

Geordie Boot Boys understands the 37-year-old England international will join on a free transfer from Tottenham, providing Eddie Howe with both homegrown squad depth and invaluable experience ahead of their Champions League return.

The towering shot-stopper’s potential homecoming represents far more than mere nostalgia. Forster’s return addresses several practical needs for Newcastle as they prepare for European football’s increased demands.

His status as an academy graduate satisfies crucial homegrown player quotas for both Premier League and Champions League squads, while his wealth of experience – including 134 Premier League appearances and six England caps – offers reliable emergency cover behind Nick Pope and Martin Dúbravka.

The move would see Forster replace outgoing veteran John Ruddy as fourth-choice keeper, continuing Newcastle’s strategy of employing seasoned professionals in training ground roles.

Forster’s emotional connection to Newcastle adds a poignant layer to this potential transfer. The 6’7″ goalkeeper never made a senior appearance during his initial stint at St James’ Park before joining Celtic in 2012, making this belated debut particularly meaningful.

His public admission in 2023 about dreaming of playing for Newcastle at their iconic stadium now appears set for fulfillment, albeit likely in limited cup appearances rather than as first-choice.

TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey confirms Forster has emerged as Newcastle’s preferred option from a three-man shortlist that also included former Magpies keeper Tim Krul and ex-Rangers shot-stopper Jak Alnwick.

While all candidates offered similar experience levels, Forster’s combination of local roots, physical presence, and recent Premier League involvement with Tottenham gave him the edge in Newcastle’s deliberations.

The imminent signing follows Newcastle’s capture of teenage Spanish goalkeeper Antonio Cordero from Malaga, though the 18-year-old will immediately depart on loan to continue his development elsewhere.

This dual approach – blending youthful potential with proven experience – demonstrates the nuanced squad-building strategy required for a club balancing domestic and European commitments. Forster’s arrival allows Newcastle to maintain four senior keepers without blocking pathways for their most promising youngsters.

From a financial perspective, the deal makes perfect sense for Newcastle. Forster’s free transfer status and likely modest wages represent minimal risk for a player who may only feature in emergency situations.

His presence allows the club to allocate resources to more pressing areas while ensuring they meet competition registration rules. The move also maintains Newcastle’s recent pattern of incorporating former academy products – like Paul Dummett and Sean Longstaff – who understand the club’s culture and expectations.

Tactically, Forster’s skill set offers useful variety to Howe’s goalkeeping options. His commanding aerial presence and shot-stopping strengths differ from Pope’s sweeping abilities and Dúbravka’s reflexes, giving Newcastle contrasting profiles depending on opposition demands.

While unlikely to challenge for regular starts, Forster’s training ground influence could prove invaluable for younger keepers like Cordero in future seasons.

The emotional resonance of this potential signing shouldn’t be underestimated either. In an era where player-club connections often feel transactional, Forster’s genuine affection for Newcastle – expressed through his 2023 comments about unfinished business – provides a rare human element to squad-building.

His return completes a circle that began when he left as an unproven youngster and comes back as an experienced professional with trophies and international recognition.

As Newcastle prepare to announce their second summer signing following Cordero’s arrival, the Forster deal exemplifies their balanced approach to squad construction.

It addresses immediate practical needs without compromising long-term planning, satisfies sentimental fan desires without neglecting performance considerations, and strengthens their homegrown core while maintaining financial flexibility for more impactful signings elsewhere.

While Forster may not feature prominently on the pitch next season, his potential homecoming symbolizes Newcastle’s growing ability to attract players who view the club as more than just another employer.

In the high-stakes world of Champions League football, such intangible benefits can sometimes prove as valuable as any tactical innovation or big-money signing.

The towering goalkeeper’s belated Newcastle debut, whenever it comes, promises to be one of the more heartwarming moments of the new campaign.