Newcastle United have moved quickly to resolve the situation surrounding one of their brightest young talents, with Antonio Cordero now set for a fresh loan spell after his previous move failed to deliver the minutes he needed.
According to respected transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the 19-year-old has agreed a deal to join Spanish side Cadiz on loan, with his temporary stay at Belgian club Westerlo coming to an early end.
Cordero only arrived at Newcastle during the summer transfer window, joining the Magpies from Spanish outfit Malaga after the club acted decisively to secure his signature before his contract expired.
The move was seen as a smart piece of business, with Newcastle beating competition to land a highly rated winger who had already shown maturity beyond his years in senior football. Almost immediately after arriving, Cordero was sent out on loan to Westerlo, with the hope that regular football in Belgium would accelerate his development.
Unfortunately, that plan did not unfold as hoped. Despite Westerlo playing 18 league matches so far this season, Cordero featured in just seven of them, clocking up only 87 minutes of action in the Jupiler Pro League.
For a teenager at such a critical stage of his career, that lack of game time was far from ideal. Rather than allowing the situation to drift into January, Newcastle chose to act early, identifying the need for a more suitable environment where Cordero could play consistently and continue his progress.
Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Spanish club Cadiz have agreed a loan deal to take Cordero, with the youngster’s spell in Belgium officially cancelled. Cadiz currently compete in Spain’s second division and sit sixth in the table, having found good form with three wins in their last four matches.
From Newcastle’s perspective, this move ticks several important boxes. It places Cordero in a competitive league, within a team pushing for success, and in a country where he already feels comfortable both culturally and tactically.
For Cordero himself, the switch makes perfect sense. Before his move to England, he had already built an impressive foundation at Malaga, making 40 senior appearances in Spain’s second tier. Remarkably, he began that season at just 17 years old, yet quickly adapted to the physical demands and pressure of first-team football.
That experience is one of the key reasons Newcastle viewed him as a long-term investment, believing his ceiling is far higher than his age might suggest.
Returning to Spanish football now gives Cordero a familiar platform to rediscover rhythm and confidence. The style of play, tempo, and tactical understanding required in the Segunda División suit his strengths, particularly his movement, close control, and ability to find space in tight areas.
Most importantly, Cadiz are expected to offer him the regular minutes he simply was not getting in Belgium, which is vital for his growth.
From Newcastle’s point of view, the decision reflects a broader commitment to managing young talent carefully. Rather than pulling Cordero back to Tyneside and limiting him to youth football, the club appears determined to challenge him at senior level. Eddie Howe and his coaching staff are known for valuing development through competitive matches, and this loan fits neatly into that philosophy.
There is also an element of timing that works in Newcastle’s favour. Cadiz are chasing promotion and need attacking options who can make a difference during the second half of the season.
That creates an opportunity for Cordero to play with purpose, knowing that his contributions could directly influence the club’s fortunes. If he can replicate the consistency he showed at Malaga, this loan could quickly be viewed as a masterstroke.
While the initial move to Westerlo did not succeed, it has not diminished Newcastle’s belief in the player. Instead, it has provided clarity on what Cordero needs most right now: trust, responsibility, and regular football. The move to Cadiz offers all three, and both clubs will be hoping the arrangement benefits everyone involved.
As the season progresses, Newcastle will monitor his performances closely, knowing that a productive spell in Spain could put Cordero firmly back on track.
For a player still only 19, this latest chapter is less about setbacks and more about finding the right path forward. If things go as planned, this loan could prove to be a crucial step in shaping Antonio Cordero into a future first-team option for the Magpies.
