Antonio Cordero undergoes an interview at the Newcastle United Training Centre
Just a few short days after his exciting Newcastle United move was confirmed, Toon-bound Antonio Cordero was celebrating in style by impressing for his country on the international stage over the weekend. The winger, 18, is currently away with Spain's under-19 side and flourished against the USA's youngsters in a Benidorm friendly.
Cordero featured for 45 minutes as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw, with the departing Malaga star finding the net for La Roja in the first-half. The attacker will remain with his country for the upcoming European Under-19 Championship, held in Romania, with Spain looking to regain the title they won back in 2019.
Cordero's side will take on Denmark, Montenegro and Romania's U19 sides in the coming weeks, kicking off the tournament against the first-named of those nations on Friday. There is every chance Cordero could come up against future Newcastle team-mate, Lewis Miley, who is poised to feature ay the competition with England.
Upon the tournament ending, Cordero will officially leave Malaga at the end of his contract, before joining Newcastle in July. The Magpies have already expressed their desire to immediately loan Cordero out in a bid to aid his development next term.
Confirming the move, Newcastle sporting director, Paul Mitchell, last week said: "He has lots of potential, and the next phase of his development will be for the club to select a loan move that will challenge him and build on his experiences."
As it stands, Ajax have been credited with interest in the teenager in a loan move that could potentially echo Yankuba Minteh’s successful stint in the Netherlands with Feyenoord in the 2023/24 campaign. Clubs in Spain could also take Cordero on a temporary basis to ensure he is playing in a familiar environment.
Cordero has already seen his new surroundings on Tyneside, visiting the club's Benton HQ in recent weeks to meet Head of Coach Development, Jack Ross, and Head of First-team Recruitment, Steve Nickson.
“It’s truly an honour to be here, truly a pleasure," Cordero said last week. "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.”
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