Newcastle United hold meeting with defender as Liverpool submit ‘concrete offer’

Newcastle United continue to intensify their focus on young talent, signaling a long-term investment in youth development and future squad depth.

The club recently confirmed the signing of 18-year-old Antonio Cordero, a highly regarded winger from Malaga, who will officially join the Magpies on July 1 once his contract in Spain expires.

Despite heavy interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Porto, Cordero opted to commit his future to Newcastle by signing a five-year contract. His decision underlines Newcastle’s growing reputation as a destination club for promising players looking to develop at a high level.

Cordero made a significant impact in Spain’s lower tiers, playing a crucial role in Malaga’s promotion to the second division. He ended the campaign with six goals and seven assists across 40 appearances, a notable return for a player of his age.

Recognizing the importance of gradual development, Newcastle plan to loan the teenager to a European side next season rather than fast-tracking him into Eddie Howe’s first team.

This strategy aims to provide Cordero with valuable experience while shielding him from the pressures of Premier League football too early.

Paul Mitchell, Newcastle’s outgoing sporting director, praised the club’s latest acquisition. He described Cordero as an exciting prospect who attracted considerable interest across the continent.

Mitchell emphasized that the next phase of Cordero’s growth will involve a carefully chosen loan move, one that challenges him and accelerates his transition into elite-level football.

The club remains committed to nurturing his talent through meaningful match experience and structured development plans.

Cordero, speaking after his signing was confirmed, expressed both pride and ambition. He called his move to Newcastle a great honor and described it as a major step forward in his career.

Known for setting high goals, Cordero highlighted his enthusiasm and desire to get started, viewing Newcastle as one of the best environments to reach his potential.

While the buzz around Cordero continues, Newcastle have also been linked to another rising talent. Reports from France suggest that the club has held discussions with Rennes defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, a 19-year-old Moroccan prospect.

The information, published by Le 360 Sport, indicates that Newcastle have already met with the player, while Premier League rivals Liverpool are also said to have submitted a formal offer.

The situation remains fluid, but it reinforces Newcastle’s commitment to securing future stars early in their careers.

Ait Boudlal came through the ranks at Morocco’s prestigious Mohammed VI Football Academy before moving to Rennes, where he signed his first professional contract last July, binding him to the club until 2028.

During the second half of last season, he was loaned to Ligue 2 side Amiens and featured in nine matches. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and it’s clear that Newcastle see parallels between his profile and the types of young players they’re looking to integrate into their long-term vision.

In addition to Cordero and Boudlal, Newcastle have also struck a deal to bring in Georgian youth international Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi.

The transfer will become official when the defender turns 18 in August. Speaking about his impending move, Salia shared that he was initially surprised by Newcastle’s interest but quickly became motivated by the club’s history and reputation.

He revealed that both his father and his agent encouraged him, noting that two Georgian players had previously represented the club, further inspiring him to make the leap.

These moves underscore a deliberate strategy by Newcastle to scout and sign promising young players from a global talent pool.

Rather than rely solely on big-money signings for immediate impact, the club appears to be constructing a pipeline of skilled individuals who can develop over time into Premier League-level contributors. It’s a model that mirrors the approaches of Europe’s most efficient football operations, balancing ambition with sustainability.

Newcastle’s growing appeal among emerging players speaks to the vision being implemented behind the scenes.

As the summer transfer window continues, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Magpies involved in further negotiations aimed at securing the next generation of football talent.

With the groundwork already in place, the club seems determined to build a foundation that can carry it forward for years to come—through players who not only have potential but are also driven to grow within a well-structured and competitive environment.