Newcastle agree winger transfer – medical ‘completed’ with move imminent

Newcastle United have finalized arrangements for their summer signing Antonio Cordero to join Belgian Pro League side KVC Westerlo on a season-long loan deal, with the teenage winger already completing his medical ahead of the imminent transfer.

The 18-year-old Spaniard, who only arrived at St James’ Park from Malaga last month, will spend the 2025-26 campaign gaining crucial first-team experience in Belgium’s top division before returning to Tyneside to compete for a place in Eddie Howe’s squad.

Cordero’s temporary move to Westerlo represents a carefully calculated step in his development pathway, with the Belgian club boasting an impressive reputation for nurturing young talent.

Their recent success with Burnley striker Lyle Foster demonstrates their ability to provide the right environment for promising players to flourish.

While Eredivisie giants Ajax had previously expressed interest in securing Cordero’s services, Newcastle’s hierarchy ultimately identified Westerlo as the ideal destination to continue the winger’s progression.

The timing of Cordero’s arrival coincides with Westerlo’s urgent need for attacking reinforcement following their disappointing 5-2 defeat to Anderlecht in their season opener.

Tasked with adding creativity and goal threat to a side currently rooted to the bottom of the table, the Spanish youth international will aim to replicate his impressive form from last season when he netted six goals in Spain’s second division.

His potential debut could come as early as Saturday when Westerlo host Zulte Waregem in their first home match of the campaign.

Newcastle’s decision to loan Cordero reflects their long-term vision for the player they fought hard to secure ahead of several European suitors.

In his first interview as a Magpies player, the ambitious teenager expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead: “It’s truly an honor to be here. I’m a person who likes to aspire high.

Why not come to one of the best places in the world to do it? It’s a big step, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here.” These words echo the club’s belief that Cordero possesses both the talent and mentality to eventually make an impact in the Premier League.

The move follows a mixed pattern of success for Newcastle’s recent loan exports. While Yankuba Minteh’s productive spell at Feyenoord demonstrated the potential benefits of well-structured temporary moves, other young Magpies like Garang Kuol and Miodrag Pivas struggled to make similar impacts during their respective loans in the Netherlands.

These contrasting outcomes highlight the importance of selecting the right destination – a factor Newcastle’s recruitment team has clearly prioritized in choosing Westerlo for Cordero’s development.

Former sporting director Paul Mitchell, who played a key role in bringing Cordero to Tyneside, previously emphasized the careful planning behind such loan moves: “The next phase of his development will be for the club to select a loan move that will challenge him and build on his experiences.”

This strategic approach suggests Newcastle view Cordero as a genuine prospect for their first-team rather than simply an asset to be developed and sold, unlike Minteh who departed due to Profit and Sustainability Rules before making a senior appearance.

As Cordero prepares for his Belgian adventure, Newcastle will monitor his progress closely while continuing their own preparations for the new Premier League season.

The loan arrangement provides the ideal middle ground – allowing the talented winger to gain valuable experience at a competitive level while keeping him within the club’s long-term plans. His performances in the Pro League could ultimately determine whether he returns ready to challenge for a starting berth or requires further development elsewhere.

For Westerlo, securing Cordero represents a significant coup as they look to climb the table following their difficult start. The Spanish youngster’s direct running, technical ability and eye for goal should provide their attack with a much-needed spark.

For Newcastle, the move forms part of a broader strategy to carefully manage their most promising young talents, ensuring they return better equipped to contribute to the first-team setup.

As the transfer is finalized in the coming days, all parties will hope this loan spell follows the positive trajectory of Minteh’s Feyenoord stint rather than the more challenging experiences of Kuol and Pivas.

One thing remains certain – Cordero’s development in Belgium will be watched with keen interest by Newcastle’s coaching staff as they plan for both the immediate and long-term future at St James’ Park.