“I’ve talked to him” – Manager quizzed on claims player is joining Newcastle United

Newcastle United appear poised to secure one of Spanish football’s most promising young talents as their pursuit of Malaga winger Antonio Cordero reaches its decisive phase.

The 18-year-old Spanish U19 international has emerged as a prime target for the Magpies’ youth development project, with his current contract set to expire this June.

Multiple reports from Spain indicate Cordero has already agreed terms on a five-year deal with the Premier League club, turning down Malaga’s renewal offer in favor of a move to England’s northeast.

Newcastle’s proposal reportedly dwarfs the Segunda División side’s financial package, demonstrating their commitment to building for the future despite Financial Fair Play constraints.

Malaga manager Sergio Pellicer addressed the growing speculation during his pre-match press conference ahead of today’s clash with SD Eibar. While carefully avoiding direct confirmation, Pellicer’s comments suggested Cordero remains professionally committed to his current club despite the swirling transfer rumors.

“I talked to him and he’s 100% focused,” Pellicer told Radio Marca Malaga. “I see the whole group aware of our objectives. Some of them, they don’t know it yet, but they’re going to score very important goals this season.”

Cordero’s breakthrough campaign has seen the versatile attacker contribute five goals and five assists across 33 appearances – impressive numbers for a teenager in Spain’s competitive second tier.

His ability to operate on either flank and drive at defenders with direct dribbling has drawn comparisons to a young Jesus Navas, offering the raw materials Newcastle’s coaching staff believe they can develop into Premier League quality.

The proposed transfer follows Newcastle’s established blueprint for nurturing young talent. Reports suggest the club plans to immediately loan Cordero back to a European club next season, allowing him to continue his development with regular first-team football rather than languishing in youth setups.

This strategy has proven successful with recent acquisitions like Garang Kuol and Yankuba Minteh, who have gained valuable experience abroad before attempting to break into Newcastle’s first team.

For Malaga, losing their academy product represents another blow in a difficult period for the once-proud Andalusian club. Once Champions League quarterfinalists, Malaga now face the prospect of seeing another promising talent depart without significant compensation.

Cordero’s potential echoes that of Brahim Diaz and Isco, who launched their careers at La Rosaleda before moving to Europe’s elite.

Newcastle’s recruitment team, led by Dan Ashworth’s successor, continues to cast their net wide for emerging talents who can grow with the club’s ambitious project. At St James’ Park, Cordero would join a growing contingent of Spanish-speaking players including Bruno Guimarães and Miguel Almirón, potentially easing his adaptation to English football.

As Malaga prepare for today’s crucial fixture, all eyes will be on their teenage prodigy – possibly for one of his final appearances in blue and white.

For Newcastle supporters, Cordero represents another exciting piece in the club’s long-term vision, blending immediate first-team potential with the promise of future returns on their investment.

The coming weeks should bring official confirmation of a deal that could see another Spanish starlet follow in the footsteps of Mikel Merino and Ayoze Perez at St James’ Park.