Newcastle United arrival to be announced ‘next week’ – Attacker to sign 5-year contract

Newcastle United appear to be closing in on the signing of highly-rated Spanish winger Antonio Cordero, also known as Antoñito, in what looks set to be a smart free transfer move.

The 18-year-old, who has refused to renew his contract with Málaga CF, is poised to depart the Segunda División club when his deal expires in June.

Reports suggest that Newcastle are optimistic about finalizing the deal and are already making preparations with his arrival in mind.

Sources in Spain, particularly Marca, indicate that the transfer is essentially a formality at this stage. The publication reports that Cordero is expected to officially sign with Newcastle in the coming days, with the operation likely to be completed within a week.

Such certainty from the club underlines their belief in the young winger’s potential and value. Marca also reveals that Cordero will be offered a five-year contract, a move that reflects the Premier League side’s long-term vision for his development.

Cordero, a Spain U19 international, has attracted interest not only for his technical skill and attacking intelligence but also for his maturity on the pitch at such a young age.

Newcastle’s plan reportedly involves developing him into a future Champions League-caliber player, a goal that aligns with the club’s broader ambitions to consistently compete at the top end of English and European football.

However, for that to become a reality, the Magpies must first secure a top-five finish in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League—a task that remains tightly contested.

With Newcastle currently sitting in fourth, level on points with Chelsea and Aston Villa and just one point ahead of Nottingham Forest, every remaining match is crucial.

The stakes are high, but the club’s faith in players like Cordero signals a forward-thinking recruitment strategy aimed at building sustainable success.

Although he is unlikely to feature immediately in Eddie Howe’s first-team plans, his acquisition is part of a wider effort to secure emerging talent with the potential to grow into major contributors in the years ahead.

While Newcastle have mapped out an important role for Cordero in the club’s future, they are also realistic about the challenges of transitioning to a new country and a more physically demanding league.

According to 101 TV, the club is open to loaning him out for the 2025–26 season to ensure he gains regular playing time and adjusts gradually. A return to Spain on loan is among the options being considered, allowing him to continue his development in a familiar environment before taking the next step in England.

Newcastle’s pursuit of Cordero reflects a broader strategy under the club’s current leadership: investing in youth with the potential to thrive under the right guidance and structure.

If all goes to plan, the talented winger could become a key figure in the next generation of players tasked with keeping Newcastle competitive at both domestic and European levels.