Newcastle United first summer signing agreed as forward bids farewell after last game
The Spanish winger has agreed to join Newcastle United at the end of his contract this month.
Antonio Cordero has played his last game for Malaga ahead of joining Newcastle United on a free transfer.
Newcastle have been in talks with Cordero and his representatives since the turn of the year ahead of the 18-year-old’s contract officially expiring on June 30.
The Magpies faced stiff competition from heavyweights Barcelona, Real Madrid and Porto but the winger has opted for a move to the Premier League. He and his family were given a tour of St James’ Park and the club’s facilities earlier this year.
Newcastle United-bound Antonio Cordero plays final game for Malaga
Cordero started his 60th and final game for Malaga on the bench as they played out a 2-2 draw at home to Burgos CF on the final day of the La Liga 2 season on Saturday evening.
With Malaga trailing 1-0, Cordero was introduced at half-time. Burgos went on to make it 2-0 before the home side scored two quick-fire goals inside the remaining 10 minutes to claim a draw that secured a 16th finish in their first season back in Spain’s second-tier.
After the game, 101 TV Malaga claims the Malaga supporters acted “indifferent” towards Cordero, while other players leaving this summer - Dioni and Manu Molina - received ovations.
Posting a video of the farewells on X, they wrote on X: “This is how the farewells went at Málaga's last match. From the ovations for Dioni and Manu Molina to the highs and lows with Kevin and the indifference towards Cordero.”
Cordero had previously received criticism from the Spanish media for choosing to run down his contract and join Newcastle.
Local outlet Diario Sur labelled the winger a “snake” for turning his back on Los Boquerones. Further accusations relating to money - and what Newcastle offered - were levelled at the winger.
National publication Marca also claim Cordero’s wage packet will increase significantly on Tyneside. En Cancha took aim at Newcastle’s ownership, with “petrodollars” the reason behind the move.
Newcastle United expected to loan out Antonio Cordero
Cordero is set to pen a five-year contract until June 2030, though he is expected to spend his first year out on loan.
Newcastle adopted a similar approach with Yankuba Minteh, who they signed from Danish side Odense Boldklub for £7million before quickly loaning him to Feyenoord for the 2023-24 campaign.
Eddie Howe had planned to integrate Minteh into the first-team squad last summer but was instead sold to Brighton & Hove Albion for £33m to help the club comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
It has been suggested that Ajax are leading the race for Cordero, however according to Spanish news outlet Fundo Segunda, Malaga want to re-sign him on loan next season in an agreement they believe suits all parties.