Report: Newcastle’s bid set to withstand late transfer hijack with contract expected to be signed

Newcastle United have been strategically shifting their focus towards signing younger talents from abroad in recent months, a move that reflects the club’s long-term vision under sporting director Paul Mitchell.

Since his arrival last summer, Mitchell has been instrumental in reshaping Newcastle’s recruitment strategy, emphasizing the importance of identifying and acquiring promising young players from international markets.

This approach mirrors the success stories of clubs like Bournemouth, Brentford, and Brighton, who have reaped significant rewards by investing in young, undervalued talent. Whether these players develop into first-team stars or are sold for a profit, the strategy aligns with the modern football model of player trading—an area where Newcastle have struggled in recent years.

One of the names that has emerged on Newcastle’s radar is Malaga’s 18-year-old winger, Antonio Cordero. The young Spaniard, who is available on a free transfer this summer, has already attracted attention from top clubs, including Real Madrid.

Newcastle have reportedly held pre-contract talks with Cordero, signaling their intent to secure his services. However, the Magpies now face competition from Portuguese giants Porto, who are keen to hijack the deal.

According to the Daily Mail, Porto are prepared to offer Cordero a more immediate pathway into their first team, which could appeal to the teenager as he looks to take the next step in his career.

Despite Porto’s interest, Newcastle remain the frontrunners to sign Cordero. The player’s family has already visited Tyneside, and there is a strong expectation that a pre-contract agreement with Newcastle will still be finalized.

While the legal formalities have reportedly caused a delay, the club’s proactive approach and long-term vision appear to have given them the edge in this transfer battle.

For Newcastle, signing Cordero represents an exciting opportunity to add a highly-rated young talent to their ranks. However, the club is taking a measured approach to his development.

Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager, has a clear plan for the 18-year-old, which includes loaning him out to gain valuable first-team experience. This strategy has proven successful in the past, as evidenced by Yankuba Minteh’s productive loan spell at Feyenoord last season.

Although Minteh was eventually sold to Brighton due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) constraints, his development during the loan period highlighted the benefits of such an approach.

Cordero’s immediate impact in the Premier League is unlikely, given his current experience in the Spanish second tier. Newcastle are aware of the need to manage expectations and avoid placing undue pressure on the young winger.

The club is also expected to sign a more established right-wing option this summer to address their lack of depth in that position. This move would allow Cordero the time and space to develop at his own pace, either on loan or within Newcastle’s youth setup.

The potential signing of Cordero underscores Newcastle’s commitment to building a sustainable and competitive squad for the future. By focusing on young, high-potential players, the club aims to create a pipeline of talent that can contribute to their long-term success.

While Porto’s interest posed a temporary threat to the deal, Newcastle’s proactive efforts and clear vision for Cordero’s development have seemingly kept them in pole position.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Newcastle fans can look forward to more strategic signings that align with the club’s new direction. The pursuit of Antonio Cordero is just one example of how Paul Mitchell and Eddie Howe are working together to reshape the squad and position Newcastle as a forward-thinking, ambitious club.

With a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents, the Magpies are laying the foundation for a bright future, both on and off the pitch.