Newcastle United issue official response to 'done deal' claim after player visits Tyneside

Newcastle United have responded to claims that they have reached an agreement to sign Malaga winger Antonio Cordero.

Cordero is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning from January onwards overseas clubs have been permitted to hold talks with his representatives regarding a pre-contract agreement.

The 18-year-old winger has attracted interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Porto, but Newcastle have reportedly won the race. The player and his family visited Tyneside earlier this year.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano wrote on X: “Newcastle have completed deal to sign Spanish 18-year-old talent Antonio Cordero from Malaga, here we go! Announcement set to take place for Cordero to join #NUFC project. Barça and Real Madrid were both keen on signing Cordero; he picked Newcastle.”

Newcastle United respond to Antonio Cordero reports

Sources in Spain claim Malaga have “no official knowledge of this move because no one from Antonio’s entourage has contacted the club”. As of last month, Malaga director Kike Perez hadn’t given up hope of Cordero signing a new deal.

“I have hope because, and I’ve always said this, I’m no longer saying this as someone who works at Malaga or as their general director,” Perez told PTV Malaga’s Zona Deporte (via Sport Witness). “I’m saying this as someone who works in football. Things will happen and, in the end, we’ll see what happens.

“I see it as logical. I don’t think that whether you’re here or not, people give everything until the end. I’m not one to hold things against others. Whoever is here, as long as they give everything they have, there’s nothing to say.”

In response to the reports surrounding Cordero, Newcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall said: "I know the club is scouting Europe to try and find some of the best talent that's out there. “I'm sure as soon as we have any other news, the club will be the first to hear about it."

Newcastle United scouting Europe for top young talent

Paul Mitchell was appointed as Newcastle’s sporting director last summer and although he is yet to make a major signing at first-team level, the former Monaco chief has been busy identifying young players with high potential.

Newcastle have agreed to sign Dinamo Tbilisi forward Vaktang Salia, with a move set to be made official when he turns 18 in August. In January, Turkish midfielder Baran Yildiz arrived from Genclerbirligi.

Speaking about the importance of signing young talent, Mitchell said: “Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework, so the market is fiercely competitive.

"We continue to scout extensively, both domestically and overseas, with a view to securing players who can come through our talent pathway and, ideally, become part of the first team in future.”

Cordero is expected to be loaned out next season, similar to what Newcastle did with Yankuba Minteh when he joined Feyenoord on loan. Eddie Howe then planned to include the Gambian in his first-team plans, however was forced to sell him to Brighton & Hove Albion in order to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Who is Antonio Cordero?

Born in Jerez in southern Spain, Cordero was on the books at Cadiz, Sevilla and Real Betis before joining Malaga in 2021.

Cordero first broke into Malaga’s ‘B-team’ and caught the eye in the Spanish fifth tier - scoring 12 goals in 17 appearances. He has also been capped for Spain at under-18s and under-19s level.

The winger has since established himself as a regular in Malaga’s first team since making his debut in 2023. In 32 La Liga 2 appearances this campaign, he has scored five goals and provided six assists.

YOUR NEXT READ: PIF have already approved £200m Newcastle United investment as concept photo emerges.