Spanish media react as Antonio Cordero settles derby with big goal before Newcastle move
Newcastle United’s impending signing Antonio Cordero demonstrated exactly why the Magpies fought off Barcelona to secure his services, delivering a match-winning performance that could prove pivotal in Malaga’s survival bid.
The 18-year-old winger, who has reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement with Newcastle, converted a crucial first-half penalty against Granada on Saturday – a result that edges his boyhood club closer to safety in Spain’s Segunda Division.
Cordero’s ice-cool spot-kick showcased the composure that has made him one of Spanish football’s most exciting prospects, earning rave reviews from local media.
La Opinion de Malaga awarded him 8/10 for his influential display, praising his willingness to shoulder responsibility in a high-pressure situation. Merchan en Directo went further, handing the teenager a 9/10 rating while highlighting his constant threat and the standing ovation he received upon substitution.
The young winger’s development presents Newcastle with an intriguing dilemma. Initial plans suggested an immediate loan move, with Ajax among clubs reportedly interested in providing his next developmental step.
However, representatives close to the player have hinted Cordero could remain on Tyneside next season – a scenario that would test Eddie Howe’s famed ability to nurture young talent.
Newcastle’s recent experience with Yankuba Minteh offers a compelling blueprint. The Gambian winger’s stellar loan spell at Feyenoord not only accelerated his development but significantly increased his market value, eventually facilitating a profitable sale to Brighton.
This model appears particularly relevant for Cordero, whose transition from Spain’s second tier to Premier League football would represent a monumental leap.
The teenager’s current form suggests he’s ready for a higher level of competition. With three goals in his last seven appearances, Cordero has evolved from promising prospect to genuine match-winner for Malaga.
His ability to deliver in clutch moments – evidenced by decisive goals against Granada both home and away this season – points to a mental resilience that belies his years.
Newcastle’s recruitment team faces a delicate balancing act. While Cordero’s technical qualities and maturity make him an intriguing wildcard option for next season’s squad, the physical demands of English football could necessitate a transitional period elsewhere.
The Championship or a top-tier European league like the Eredivisie might provide the ideal intermediate step, allowing him to adapt to more frequent, intense matches while continuing to play regular first-team football.
As Malaga’s relegation battle reaches its climax, Newcastle supporters have added reason to monitor their progress. Each appearance offers another glimpse of a player who could become a key figure in the club’s future – whether that emergence comes next season or further down the line.
Cordero’s development path will reveal much about Newcastle’s evolving strategy for nurturing elite young talent, as they seek to balance immediate squad needs with long-term investment in potential stars.
One thing appears certain: in beating Barcelona to Cordero’s signature, Newcastle have secured one of Spain’s most promising teenage talents.
How they manage his next career steps could determine whether he becomes another shrewd acquisition in their ambitious project or a missed opportunity in a market where Europe’s elite clubs increasingly dominate youth recruitment.
For now, the Magpies can take satisfaction in seeing their future asset thrive under the pressure of a relegation scrap – exactly the kind of experience that could serve him well in the Premier League cauldron.