Newcastle United appear to be closing in on a move for exciting teenage talent Antonio Cordero after fending off significant interest in his signature.
The likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal and plenty other European heavyweights have been linked with the Malaga star, with Newcastle pulling off a shrewd coup to land his signature. Sources with links to the player claim a deal should be wrapped up in the near future.
But who is Cordero – and why have so many top clubs been eyeing his services? Chronicle Live takes a deep dive into the career of a potential future superstar set to arrive at St James’ Park.
How old is Cordero?
Cordero is just 18 years of old but already has a lengthy CV of different clubs in Spain, as well as regular appearances in Malaga’s first-team – despite his relative inexperience. He was born in Jerez de la Frontera in November 2006.
Where does Cordero play?
The youngster is capable of playing on both wings and has also been deployed as a more central attacking midfielder. So far this season, Cordero has predominantly featured from the left, coming inside onto his favoured right foot as an inside forward.
In total, this term, 22 of his appearances have been on the left and only eight on the right. Cordero has seven goal contributions when used as the former, compared to four during the latter
His early career
Before joining Malaga, Cordero spent time in the youth setups of Xerez, Cadiz, Sevilla and Betis, after spending his formative years at his native Jerez. In 2022, at the age of 16, he was awarded a professional, three-year contract with Malaga.
In September 2023, before he had even appeared in the club’s reserve side, Cordero made his first team debut as a late substitute for in a home win over Atletico Madrid B; aged just 16 years, nine months and 17 days.
With that, he became the fourth-youngest player to debut for Malaga. He would go on to make his competitive debut in August 2024.
Big regret from La Liga’s biggest clubs
Malaga benefitted where other Spanish sides struggled. After failing to keep the player happy, both Sevilla and Real Betis had to watch as a bright, exciting talent left their respective clubs prematurely.
Malaga’s former academy director, Duda, last summer said: “We had him on our agenda when he was still a Sevilla player. Then he went to Betis, and once there, the possibility of bringing him to Malaga arose. We did everything possible, and we got it.
Malaga’s former academy director, Duda, last summer said: “We had him on our agenda when he was still a Sevilla player. Then he went to Betis, and once there, the possibility of bringing him to Malaga arose. We did everything possible, and we got it.
“He arrived at zero cost. There was discontent from the player and his family with the club he was at, and we took advantage of the opportunity. They told me it could be done, and I said: ‘Let’s go for him without looking back.”
Incredible consistency in the senior team
Cordero is not just making up the numbers at Malaga, despite his age. In his first full season with the senior side, he made 22 appearances in all competitions. This season he has missed just three La Liga 2 matches, featuring 32 times in the second tier.
Cordero has chipped in with 11 goal contributions, five goals and six assists, in those games, racking up 1,623 minutes of game time in the process.
Hero status after promotion goal
No matter what happens, Cordero has placed himself in the history books at Malaga after finding the net in a monumental game last season. In June 2024, he scored a last-minute, extra-time equaliser against Tarragona in the play-off final, with his goal sending Malaga back to the second division on aggregate.
More than 60,000 fans flocked to the streets for the post-match celebrations, with Cordero at the centre of the party. “I can’t believe it, it was impressive. To have them chant your name like that… I’ve never experienced a celebration like that; the fans went all out.”
International exploits for Spain
Cordero made his Spain under-18 debut on April 23rd 2024 and earned his maiden call-up to the under-19 outfit six months later. This season he has made eight appearances for the latter, scoring just the once.
Cordero has been used frequently in Spain Euro U19 Championship qualifying campaign, playing in every game as the country won four out of six fixtures.
Barcelona and Real Madrid interest
As mentioned, clubs all over Europe have pursued the player’s signature of late. Reports in Spain have suggested all of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester City have kept a close eye on Cordero’s progression in recent months.
The two aforementioned Spanish clubs, both giants in their own right, have been heavily linked with the youngster since the start of the campaign. Barcelona reportedly sent representatives to discuss a move to the Catalan outfit before the turn of the year.
Saudi option last summer
Not only were European sides chasing a deal – but last summer brought with it substantial interest from Saudi Arabia. Some PIF-owned clubs were tipped to make a move, prompting this response from Cordero himself.
“I only think about Malaga and the pre-season. I feel loved and valued and I still have a long way to go. I’m at a big club that has to be in the First Division. For now, it’s time to train hard with the first team and prepare for whatever comes next.”
Will there be a transfer fee?
Interest has been so high for Cordero due to the fact he is available on a free transfer this summer. The teen has so far resisted all renewal attempts, with Malaga attempting to tie him down to an improved contract this season.
Will there be a transfer fee?
Interest has been so high for Cordero due to the fact he is available on a free transfer this summer. The teen has so far resisted all renewal attempts, with Malaga attempting to tie him down to an improved contract this season.
What have Malaga said?
Just this week, Malaga chiefs moved to play down talk of an imminent Cordero exit. Kike Perez, the club’s sporting director, spoke of optimism over keeping both the Newcastle target and Kevin Medina.
“Well, as you can understand, we’re focused on these eight weeks. Regarding Antonio Cordero, you already know my opinion; I’ll be optimistic until the end,” Perez said. “And Kevin is part of the sporting director’s team, and you can ask him what he says. Both players are fully involved.”
His dad is his mentor
Antonio is said to be followed everywhere by his father, Antonio Snr. His dad is reported to have had a huge impact on his career, watching him thousands of time at all his former clubs.
Speaking last year, his father said: “In the three years he’s been in Malaga, we’ve put 500,000 kilometers on the car and have even taken him to the United States and Dubai. We’re all dedicated to helping him fulfil his dream, and he knows that if things don’t go well in football, he’s already here in Jerez working in the fields.”
Jason Tindall response
Newcastle United No2, Jason Tindall, was asked about the speculation of his side winning the race for Cordero’s signature at his press conference on Tuesday morning. His response?
“I know the club’s scouring Europe to try and find some of the best talent that’s out there – and I’m sure as soon as we have any more updates on news on that then you guys will be the first to hear about it.”
Newcastle’s plan for top young talent
A signing of Cordero’s ilk is nothing new on Tyneside these days. Newcastle have already pounced for other young talent across the globe, with the captures of Miodrag Pivas, Vakhtang Salia, Kyle Fitzgerald and Baran Yildiz among others as their youth recruitment drive continues.
It is no wonder the club’s under-21 side – now led by Diarmuid O’Carroll – have impressed of late, with a nice mix of local academy stars and transfer success stories flourishing. It is likely Cordero would start in the club’s youth setup, while being involved with senior training on a regular basis.
