Paul Mitchell set to sign free agent winger after visit to Newcastle

Paul Mitchell’s commitment to bringing young, high-potential talent to Newcastle United continues to take shape, with the club now poised to secure the signature of a rising Spanish star ahead of some of Europe’s biggest teams.

While the lack of first-team signings in recent transfer windows has frustrated sections of the fanbase, Newcastle’s focus on acquiring top-tier youth prospects has been undeniable.

Mitchell has already overseen deals for Dinamo Tbilisi’s Vakhtang Salia, despite competition from Arsenal, and Turkish talent Baran Yildiz from Gençlerbirliği. Now, the sporting director is closing in on another exciting addition from Spain, reinforcing Newcastle’s long-term vision.

Reports indicate that Newcastle have outmaneuvered both Real Madrid and Barcelona in their pursuit of Málaga winger Antonio Cordero. The 18-year-old has impressed in Spain’s second division this season, recording four goals and six assists, and is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Spanish football.

Cordero is the latest in a growing list of elite teenage prospects choosing Newcastle as their next step, signaling a major coup for Mitchell’s recruitment strategy. Sources suggest that Mitchell recently traveled to the North East to meet with Cordero and his representatives, leading to significant progress in negotiations.

Following those discussions, confidence has grown within the club that a pre-contract agreement will soon be finalized, with Cordero set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

The fact that Newcastle have positioned themselves ahead of both Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race for Cordero highlights the growing appeal of the club’s project under its new leadership.

Securing a player courted by two of the most prestigious clubs in world football would send a powerful message about Newcastle’s ambitions. The level of competition for his signature makes this potential signing even more impressive and reinforces Mitchell’s ability to attract world-class young talent to Tyneside.

Cordero, a key player for Spain’s U-19 team, made his senior debut for Málaga in late 2023, becoming one of the youngest players ever to represent the club. Since then, he has made 28 appearances and has emerged as a standout performer in the second tier of Spanish football.

His technical ability, vision, and composure in the final third have made him a crucial figure for Málaga and an exciting prospect for Spanish football’s next generation.

A right-footed left winger with the versatility to operate on the right flank or in an advanced midfield role, he has demonstrated an impressive balance between scoring and creating chances.

If Newcastle complete the deal, Cordero will be the latest in a series of highly rated young players secured under Mitchell’s guidance. His arrival would follow a pattern of strategic recruitment that has already brought in elite domestic and international prospects.

The acquisition of players like Alfie Harrison from Manchester City, alongside Salia and Yildiz, reflects a clear strategy to build a foundation for long-term success by assembling a core of elite young talents.

Newcastle’s long-standing potential as a breeding ground for future stars is finally being realized, with Mitchell playing a key role in reshaping the club’s approach to youth recruitment.

Should Cordero sign a pre-contract agreement, he is expected to join Newcastle on July 1st. However, given his age and development stage, the club may opt to send him out on loan to further refine his skills before integrating him into the first team.

This approach aligns with Newcastle’s recent strategy of securing top young talents while ensuring they gain valuable experience through competitive game time elsewhere.

Despite uncertainty surrounding Newcastle’s summer transfer window, particularly due to ongoing concerns about PSR restrictions, the club’s approach to youth recruitment remains a bright spot.

While big-money signings may be limited, investing in elite young talents offers a sustainable, financially responsible path to building a competitive squad for the future. These moves allow Newcastle to strengthen its long-term prospects while staying within financial regulations, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly challenging market.

Cordero’s potential arrival is yet another indicator that Newcastle are playing the long game, focusing on developing the next generation of stars rather than solely relying on expensive transfers.

This strategy, spearheaded by Mitchell, positions the club as an attractive destination for emerging talents seeking a clear pathway to first-team football. If Newcastle continue to execute this vision successfully, they will not only build a formidable squad for the future but also establish themselves as one of the most forward-thinking clubs in European football.