Newcastle United arrange move for forward – medical & transfer to be completed this week
Newcastle United Arrange Loan Move for Promising Spanish Talent Antonio Cordero
Newcastle United have finalised plans to send young Spanish winger Antonio Cordero out on loan for the 2025-26 season. The highly-rated 18-year-old, who officially joined the Magpies on July 1 after the expiry of his contract at Malaga, is expected to gain valuable first-team experience away from St. James’ Park as part of the club’s long-term development strategy.
Cordero, known by his nickname Antoñito, arrived on Tyneside with a burgeoning reputation, having already made 60 senior appearances for Malaga in all competitions. During his time in Spain, he netted seven goals, with his most memorable coming in dramatic fashion—a last-gasp winner against Gimnàstic de Tarragona in June 2024 that sealed Malaga’s return to La Liga 2.
Despite his youth, Cordero has attracted widespread attention across Europe. In addition to impressing at club level, he was also a part of the Spanish Under-19 squad that competed in the European Championship this past summer. His performances reportedly caught the eye of both Barcelona and Real Madrid, but the winger turned down the advances of Spain’s biggest clubs in favour of a bold move to the Premier League.
Development Comes First: Cordero to Head Out on Loan
Although Cordero is regarded as a bright prospect for the future, Newcastle’s coaching and recruitment team believe a loan move will offer the best environment for him to grow both technically and physically. With the Premier League’s intensity presenting a steep learning curve, the club has prioritised regular playing time elsewhere over limited minutes in England.
While Dutch giants Ajax were initially linked with a move for the teenager, fresh reports from Spain now suggest that Cordero will instead join Belgian Pro League side KVC Westerlo on loan for the duration of the 2025-26 season. The deal is expected to be finalised within the coming days, with Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad confirming that negotiations are in the final stages.
KVC Westerlo, who finished ninth in the Belgian top flight last term, began their new campaign with a tough 5-2 defeat to Anderlecht. Cordero, meanwhile, has been training separately from the Newcastle squad while the terms of his temporary move were sorted out.
Cordero Speaks on Newcastle Move and His Ambitions
In a recent interview with the club’s in-house media channel NUFCTV, Cordero opened up about his decision to join Newcastle United and his ambition to succeed in English football.
“It’s truly an honour to be here, truly a pleasure,” he said. “I’m someone who enjoys challenges, and I see this move as an exciting and demanding journey. Newcastle is one of the best places in the world to grow as a footballer, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
The young winger acknowledged that the transition from Spanish to English football is significant but insisted that the challenge is part of what drew him to the club.
“I know it’s a big leap, and that’s exactly why I’m here. I want to test myself in the toughest environments. I’ve been following Newcastle for a long time—I like the way the coach and staff approach the game, the team’s style of play, and the passion from the fans.”
Cordero also revealed that his enthusiasm to join the club intensified after watching Newcastle’s dramatic final-day qualification for European competition last season.
“I was already excited, but watching that match made me even more eager to be part of this journey. It’s a club and a city I’ve admired for years, and now I’m here with so much motivation to get started.”
As Newcastle United continues to invest in emerging talent from across Europe, the temporary departure of Cordero signals a patient, developmental approach rather than rushing young players into the spotlight. If his loan spell in Belgium proves successful, the Magpies could have a future star ready to make an impact in the Premier League in the years ahead.