Teenage Spanish winger 

©TM/IMAGO

Antonio Cordero – known as Antoñito – remains a relatively unknown quantity but his name is firmly on the radar of major European clubs. The 18-year-old has enjoyed his breakthrough season with Malaga in LaLiga 2 but he won’t be playing in the Spanish second-flight next season.

Antoñito has interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona but Newcastle United have won the race to sign him. It’s understood that Antoñito has penned a five-year contract and Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell has confirmed a loan move next season. Mitchell said: “Antonio is an exciting talent. We’re delighted to bring him to Newcastle United amidst interest in Spain and across Europe.He has lots of potential, and the next phase of his development will be for the club to select a loan move that will challenge him and build on his experiences.”

Who is Antoñito?

Born in Andalusia, Antoñito spent time at Real Betis and Sevilla as a youngster before joining Malaga and he signed his first professional contract in 2022. He starred for Atletico Malaga – Malaga’s B team – last season, scoring 12 goals including the vital goal in their promotion. The Spanish U19 international has excelled for Malaga’s first team last campaign with 13 goal contributions in 40 games as detailed by Ivan Fuente, Transfermarkt’s LaLiga expert.

“Cordero plays as a left winger but is right-footed,” Fuente said. “He’s a player that’s worked incredibly hard to improve his physical condition in recent years and he’s Malaga’s second topscorer this season with five goals. He’s already an absolute star in LaLiga 2 and scored the goal to promote Malaga’s B team last season – he’s ready to progress to a higher level. 

Who wanted to sign Antoñito?

Antoñito has been able to speak to clubs due to being in the last six months of his deal and was able to sign a pe-contract agreement with clubs outside of Spain. Newcastle have secured his signature with the Magpies offering a more lucrative financial package and guarantees over first-team football. 

Fuente added: “Cordero’s contract expires in the summer and he’s rejected renewal offers with his future destined to be away from Malaga. He’s part of a major agency with Pina Zahavi and he will be weighing up offers as a free agent. The main reason I’d suggest that he’s picked Newcastle over Barcelona and Real Madrid is because his inner circle will want him to join a club where he’s more likely to play. At the Spanish giants, he probably wouldn’t get enough minutes to show his quality.”