Newcastle arrange move for forward – medical & transfer to be completed this week

Newcastle United have finalized plans for their latest summer signing, Spanish winger Antonio Cordero, to depart on a season-long loan as part of his development strategy.

The 18-year-old talent, who joined the Magpies on a free transfer from Malaga earlier this month, will spend the 2025-26 campaign with Belgian top-flight side KVC Westerlo, according to reports emerging from Spain.

Cordero, affectionately known as Antoñito in his homeland, arrives at St James’ Park with an impressive pedigree despite his tender age.

The teenager made 60 senior appearances for Malaga, contributing seven goals – including a dramatic last-minute winner against Gimnastic that secured their promotion back to Spain’s second tier.

His performances at club level earned him recognition with Spain’s Under-19 squad at this summer’s European Championships, further enhancing his reputation as one of the country’s most exciting young prospects.

What makes Cordero’s decision to join Newcastle particularly noteworthy was his willingness to reject overtures from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid in favor of a move to Tyneside.

In his first interview as a Newcastle player, the winger spoke passionately about his reasons for choosing the Premier League project: “It’s truly an honor to be here,” Cordero told NUFCTV.

“I’m a person who likes to aspire high and take on tough challenges. Why not come to one of the best places in the world to do it? I’ve followed the club for many years and love what the coach and staff are building here.”

Despite this enthusiasm, Newcastle’s recruitment team have determined that immediate first-team football would best serve Cordero’s development.

While Dutch powerhouse Ajax had registered interest in taking the youngster on loan, sources indicate Westerlo have won the race for his temporary signature.

The Belgian club, who finished ninth in last season’s Pro League, represent an intriguing destination – offering competitive football without the intense pressure of a title-chasing side, ideal for a player adapting to a new country and league.

The loan move comes at an interesting juncture for Westerlo, who suffered a 5-2 defeat to Anderlecht in their season opener last weekend.

Cordero’s arrival could provide a timely boost to their attacking options, with the Spaniard expected to bring creativity, direct running, and an eye for goal to their frontline.

For Newcastle, the arrangement allows them to monitor Cordero’s progress in a competitive European league while he gains valuable experience away from the Premier League spotlight.

This careful handling of a prized young asset reflects Newcastle’s evolving approach to player development. Rather than rushing talents into their first-team setup, the club appears committed to finding environments where players can flourish at the right pace.

Cordero’s situation mirrors that of several other Newcastle youngsters currently out on loan across Europe, as the Magpies look to build a pipeline of talent capable of making the step up to Premier League football when ready.

As Cordero prepares for his Belgian adventure, Newcastle fans will watch his progress with interest. His technical quality and fearless approach have drawn comparisons to fellow countryman Pedro Neto, and if he can translate his potential into consistent performances at Westerlo, the Magpies may have secured themselves a genuine star of the future.

The coming season represents a crucial step in that journey – one that could ultimately see Cordero return to Tyneside ready to make his mark on the Premier League stage.

Meanwhile, the club continues its preparations for the new season, with Cordero’s development just one piece of a broader strategy aimed at establishing Newcastle as a sustainable force in English football.

As the young winger embarks on his loan spell, the Magpies’ faith in his potential remains unwavering – a belief shared by the player himself as he looks to justify his decision to choose Newcastle over some of Europe’s most illustrious clubs.

The arrangement also highlights Newcastle’s growing pull in the European market, with their ability to attract a player of Cordero’s caliber despite competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid speaking volumes about the project’s appeal.

As the club looks to balance immediate success with long-term planning, moves like this could prove instrumental in building the kind of squad depth required to compete on multiple fronts in seasons to come.

For now, all eyes will be on Belgium as Cordero takes his first steps in Newcastle colors, albeit temporarily elsewhere.

His progress at Westerlo could well determine how quickly he forces his way into Eddie Howe’s first-team plans, with the Magpies hierarchy clearly viewing him as part of their vision for the future.

One thing seems certain – if Cordero can replicate the form that made him one of Spain’s most sought-after young talents, Newcastle may have pulled off one of the shrewdest signings of the summer.