Newcastle United set to sign Spanish winger after Tyneside visit & hijack attempt

Porto have made a late attempt to disrupt Newcastle United’s pursuit of Malaga winger Antonio Cordero, but their efforts are unlikely to succeed. The 18-year-old Spanish talent, who is set to become a free agent this summer, has been in advanced talks with Newcastle over a pre-contract agreement.

Cordero and his family recently visited Tyneside, and the Magpies remain confident of securing his signature despite Porto’s interest. The Portuguese giants have reportedly offered Cordero a quicker pathway to first-team football, but Newcastle’s long-term plan for the youngster appears to have won him over.

Once Cordero officially joins Newcastle on July 1, the club intends to send him out on loan for the 2024/25 season to continue his development. This strategy mirrors the approach Newcastle took with Yankuba Minteh, who was signed for £7 million in 2023 and immediately loaned to Feyenoord.

Minteh’s impressive performances in the Netherlands led to a £33 million sale to Brighton & Hove Albion a year later, a move that helped Newcastle comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

However, not all loan moves have been as successful. Miodrag Pivas, a young defender signed from Serbian side FK Jedinstvo Ub last summer, has struggled to make an impact during his loan spell at Willem II, featuring just three times in the Eredivisie.

Cordero, born in Jerez in southern Spain, has already built an impressive reputation despite his young age. After progressing through the youth academies of Cadiz, Sevilla, and Real Betis, he joined Malaga in 2021.

Cordero quickly made a name for himself in Malaga’s B-team, scoring 12 goals in 17 appearances in the Spanish fifth tier. His performances earned him call-ups to Spain’s under-18 and under-19 national teams, and he has since established himself as a regular in Malaga’s first team.

This season, Cordero has made 29 appearances in La Liga 2, contributing five goals and six assists, showcasing his potential as a dynamic and creative winger.

Newcastle’s focus on signing young talent like Cordero reflects a broader strategy to invest in the future. While the club has been relatively quiet in terms of senior signings, they have been proactive in recruiting players under the age of 18.

Last year, Newcastle announced a deal for Dinamo Tbilisi forward Vaktang Salia, who will officially join the club when he turns 18 in August. Like Cordero, Salia is expected to go out on loan to gain valuable first-team experience before potentially breaking into Newcastle’s senior squad.

The pursuit of Cordero highlights Newcastle’s commitment to building a sustainable and competitive squad for the future.

By identifying and developing young talents, the club aims to create a pipeline of players who can contribute at the highest level while also providing financial flexibility through potential sales.

Cordero’s potential arrival would add another exciting prospect to Newcastle’s ranks, and his loan move next season could be the perfect opportunity for him to continue his growth and adapt to the demands of top-level football.

For now, Newcastle remain in pole position to secure Cordero’s signature, despite Porto’s late interest. The Magpies’ clear plan for his development, combined with the opportunity to eventually play in the Premier League, has given them the edge in this transfer battle.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Newcastle fans will be eager to see how Cordero and other young signings fit into the club’s long-term vision. With a mix of experienced stars and emerging talents, the future looks bright for Eddie Howe’s side as they continue their rise on both domestic and European stages.