Paul Mitchell will be a busy man this summer, not only pushing to secure senior players able to take Eddie Howe’s XI to the next level, but also bringing in hidden gems who can be future stars.
We know the four priority positions set to be targeted – striker, right winger, centre-back and goalkeeper – although there is an element of mystery behind our search for young talent.
Mitchell and Steve Nickson have been scouring South America and recently kept tabs on the Under-20 African Cup of Nations, but there is one Spanish talent whose arrival on Tyneside appears to be imminent.
Last month, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Newcastle had won the race to sign Malaga’s Antonio Cordero, beating La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid to a deal.
The 18-year-old winger has been impressing in the Spanish second tier this summer and becomes available on a free transfer this summer after failing to agree a new deal with his current club.
The media in Spain have issued an update on his proposed move to St James’ Park today, with Marca revealing that he’s due to arrive on Tyneside ‘next week’ where he’ll officially sign a five-year deal until 2030.
They add that Newcastle have huge confidence in the teenager’s talent and believe he will soon become a ‘Champions League player’, although it is likely he heads out on loan ahead of the 2025/26 season to continue his development at senior level.
Malaga-based outlet 101 TV believe a return to Spain isn’t out of the question, although AS did recently report that Dutch giants Ajax are keen to have the winger for a season; much like Feyenoord did with Yankuba Minteh last year.
The teenager has already racked up plenty of experience at such a young age, enjoying a breakthrough season with Malaga over 2024/25.
With 38 appearances to his name this term, he’s not only featured regularly but also delivered, scoring six and assisting seven in LaLiga2.
He’s also impressing at youth level on the international stage, playing for Spain at Under-18 and Under-19 level, managing two goals and two assists in six European Championship qualifiers.