Newcastle United have completed the signing of Antonio Cordero on a free transfer from Malaga.

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Newcastle wrapped up Cordero transferBeat Barcelona & Real Madrid to the wingerWill join the club from July 1Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Cordero, who has impressed with his performances in the Spanish second division, is set to join the Magpies pending Premier League registration and the player receiving clearance to work in the United Kingdom. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder will officially become a Newcastle player when his current contract with Malaga concludes on July 1.

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European heavyweights including Barcelona and Real Madrid had reportedly shown strong interest in securing his services, but Newcastle managed to win the race for his signature thanks to a well-executed recruitment strategy. The young Spaniard featured in 60 matches for Malaga and was instrumental in their fight to remain in Spain's Segunda Division. Over the course of the season, he contributed six goals and seven assists.

WHAT CORDERO SAID

After joining the Magpies, Cordero said: "It's truly an honour to be here, truly a pleasure. I am a person who likes to aspire high. Why not come to one of the best places in the world to do it?

"It's a big step, and that's one of the reasons I'm here. I'm happy to do it and have a great desire to get going already."

DID YOU KNOW?

Cordero's path to the Premier League began in Malaga's youth academy, where he first arrived in 2021. Just a year later, he earned his first professional deal, which would ultimately serve as the launching pad for his rapid development. His senior debut came not long afterwards and he soon found himself playing for both the first team and Atletico Malagueno, the club's B side. His breakthrough moment came in the promotion play-offs, when he netted a dramatic goal against Gimnastic de Tarragona, helping Malaga clinch a return to the Segunda Division.