Newcastle United official statement confirms loan deal for first summer signing

Newcastle United winger Antonio Cordero has completed a season-long loan move to Belgian top-flight side KVB Westerlo.

Cordero became the Magpies’ first summer signing on July 1, joining on a free transfer after his contract at Malaga expired.

The 18-year-old winger - known as Antoñito - made 60 senior appearances in all competitions for Malaga and scored seven goals, including a last-minute strike against Gimnastic that secured the club’s promotion back to La Liga 2 in June 2024.

Cordero, who represented Spain under-19s at this summer’s European Championship, turned down interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid in favour of a move to the Premier League.

Newcastle United confirm Antonio Cordero loan move

But Cordero will have to wait before making his Newcastle debut, with the recruitment staff deciding a loan spell in Belgium is best for his development.

Cordero has been in Belgium since early this week to undergo his medical and could make his debut in Westerlo’s against K.V. Mechelen on Saturday.

“Newcastle United winger Antonio Cordero has joined Belgian Pro League side KVC Westerlo for the 2025/26 season,” a Newcastle statement confirmed.

“18-year-old Cordero joined the Magpies last month upon the expiry of his contract at Malaga, after making 60 senior appearances for the Spanish team including 37 last season in La Liga 2.

“Cordero represented his country this summer at the UEFA Under-19 Championships and played a key role as Spain reached the final before ultimately finishing as runners-up to the Netherlands, starting four of their five matches in the tournament.

“The teenager now moves to KVC Westerlo who finished 9th in the Belgian top-flight in the 2024/25 season and everybody at Newcastle United wishes Antonio well forthe upcoming campaign.”

Antonio Cordero reveals why he joined Newcastle United

In an interview with NUFCTV last month, Cordero explained why he chose to join Newcastle United.

“It’s truly an honour to be here, truly a pleasure,” said Cordero. “I am a person who likes to aspire high and likes complicated and tough journeys, and why not come to one of the best places in the world to do it?

“I’m aware that it’s a big step and that’s one of the reasons I’m here. I am happy to do it and have a great desire to get going already.

“I’m very aware [of the club] and I’ve been following for a long time. I like what the coach and the staff are doing, the style of play of the team - that’s why I have such a great desire to get going straight away and to get to know everyone.

“It’s a place that I’ve been following for many years, both the club and the city. I had a great desire to come and I’m very, very happy to be here. I was super motivated and excited seeing the team qualify in the last match and for that reason, I came with even more desire to be here.”

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