Newcastle transfer news: Magpies 'complete deal' to sign Spanish winger who snubs Real Madrid, Barcelona

Newcastle United have reportedly won the race to sign Malaga's teenage winger Antonio Cordero this summer.

The 18-year-old has regularly been linked with a move to St James' Park, while he has also attracted interest from a number of other top European clubs.

La Liga duo Barcelona and Real Madrid have both been credited with an interest in Cordero, while Portuguese giants Porto are understood to have approached the winger.

It has previously been suggested that Malaga will find it difficult to keep hold of Cordero, who is due to see his contract with the Spanish second-tier club expire at the end of June.

Malaga director Kike Perez stated last month that the possibility of Cordero staying, also known as Antonito, could not be entirely ruled out, telling PTV Malaga's Zona Deporte: "I have hope (he stays) because, and I've always said this, I'm no longer saying this as someone who works at Malaga or as their general director.

"I'm saying this as someone who works in football. Things will happen, and in the end, we'll see what happens.

© Imago

"I see it as logical [for Cordero to stay at Malaga]. 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's here, as long as they give everything they have, there's nothing to say."

Newcastle beat Barcelona, Real Madrid in Cordero race

However, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have 'completed' a deal to sign the Spain Under-19 international, who has picked the Magpies over both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Romano adds that an announcement is soon set to be made to confirm Cordero's arrival at Newcastle, although it remains to be seen whether he will be immediately integrated into Eddie Howe's first-team plans ahead of next season.

It is expected that Newcastle will target a new winger in the summer after allowing Miguel Almiron to re-join Atlanta United on a permanent deal in January.

Responding to speculation about Newcastle's interest in Cordero, assistant coach Jason Tindall told reporters on Tuesday: "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."

Cordero has made a total of 53 first-team appearances for Malaga since and including his debut in 2023, scoring five goals and providing six assists in 32 second-tier matches so far this season.

Written by
Oliver Thomas