Antonio Cordero of Spain celebrates after scoring his team's second goal from a penalty during the UEFA European U19 Championship Elite Round Group 5 match
Newcastle United are expected to welcome exciting winger Antonio Cordero to their ranks in pre-season.
Already, the left winger has been linked with an immediate loan move out of Newcastle to Ajax despite the fact his transfer from Malaga has yet to be rubber-stamped. But head coach Eddie Howe has insisted that there will be a "pathway" for the Spain Under-19 international and other potential incoming signings at Under-21 level.
Newcastle also signed Kyle Fitzgerald from Galway in January while Turkey youth international Baran Yildiz arrived from Genclerbirligi.
When asked about what signings like Cordero mean moving forward - with clubs like Chelsea stockpiling players without giving them an opportunity - Howe told Chronicle Live: "I just focus on the first-team recruitment and those who are coming into my squad. In terms of the other players (U21), that is left to other people, and it is very difficult to give the time, energy, and detail needed to cover that.
"But it is important that we do sign underneath the first-team squad, and we do strengthen in those areas. So that we give ourselves the best chance long-term and financially. And also give those players an opportunity."
Newcastle were excited when they signed Yankuba Minteh from Odense in summer 2023 with the player heading to Holland's top-flight with Feyenoord for a loan on the day he became a United player. But Minteh did not see the light of day in a first-team situation with the Magpies after being sold for £30million to Brighton & Hove Albion.
But Howe insists that those big opportunities will exist and name-checked two youngsters that are very much in his plans. In striker Sean Neave and right-back Leo Shahar, Howe has kept both close to the first-team base and a senior debut could lie in wait soon.
When asked if the "pathway" existed, Howe added: "Absolutely. The pathway is there for all the players in the various age groups beneath the first-team.
"At the moment, we have Sean Neave and Leo Shahar training regularly with the first team and doing really well. I am really happy with them. So the window is open and we encourage that."