In a remarkable transfer, Newcastle United have beaten Spanish powerhouses Barcelona to sign a player in high demand due to his potential.
The player, an 18-year-old winger, starred for Malaga last season and was instrumental in the club’s promotion to the league from the third division, scoring a last-minute goal in the play-off final.
His form led to interest from many of Spain’s top clubs, but ultimately it was the club’s ambition and clarity on a first-team pathway that stumped Newcastle’s position and won the race for the player.
The player, Antonio Cordero, nicknamed ‘Antonito’, has signed a five-year deal with the club, a move confirmed by sporting director Paul Mitchell, as informed by football-espna.
Represented by super-agent Pini Zahavi, Cordero rejected moves from clubs in Spain, including interest from Barcelona, who wanted him for Barca Atletic, and Real Madrid instead, joining the Premier League upstart.
With his contract expiring at Malaga, the midfielder was attracted to a lucrative deal and platform provided by the Magpies towards his career direction.
His versatility, capable of playing either wing position, and the fact that after the past season he has gained notable stats of six goals and seven assists from 40 Segunda matches, made him an obvious target.
Going forward, Cordero will go out on loan during his development, and Ajax, reportedly, is one of the suitors.
We are really pleased to bring him to Newcastle United with interest in Spain and throughout Europe. He’s got lots of potential, and the next part of his development will just be for the club to determine a loan move to challenge him.
“This is another signing that places Newcastle in line with registering the commitment of young talents, showing that they are a club wanting to be in the conversation to compete at the longer end of the table with elite clubs across Europe.
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