Newcastle United might be a mess on the pitch right now, but the signing of Johan Martinez from Independiente del Valle is a further sign of progress off it.
On Tuesday, Newcastle United confirmed that they had agreed a deal to sign the Ecuadorian winger, who will join the club after his 18th birthday in the summer of 2027.
Hard choice – but who are you selling if you were in charge? 🤔
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Though it’s not one to get too excited about just yet, the fact that Newcastle have again beaten Barcelona to a signing is promising.
Barcelona wanted to sign Johan Martinez and Antonio Cordero before Newcastle
Indeed, after the deal was confirmed, Lee Ryder of The Chronicle posted some fresh insight on social media platform X.
Ryder said: “They [Newcastle] are trying to establish themselves in South America. They’re trying to get to younger South American talents before the likes of Barcelona, before the likes of Real Madrid.
“They’re trying to get these players through the door and it is believed that Barcelona were interested in signing Martinez and Newcastle have got there first.”
The Catalan giants, of course, thrashed Newcastle on the pitch in the Champions League last month, which is what really matters in the here and now.
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Still, the times could be changing. Last year, Barcelona also tried to sign Antonio Cordero before Newcastle landed him from Malaga.
If you had to put a percentage on it….
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Cordero is currently on loan at Spanish second tier side Cadiz after struggling during a temporary stint at Belgian outfit Westerlo in the first half of the season.
Quite whether or not either of Martinez or Cordero go on to great things remains to be seen. Newcastle, however, are clearly becoming something of a destination for promising younger players – which can only be seen as a good thing.
Newcastle United Unveil New Signing Antonio Cordero
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Ross Wilson’s statement after Newcastle confirm Johan Martinez deal
Sporting director Ross Wilson was unable to make a first team signing during the January transfer window, but has picked up where predecessor Paul Mitchell left.
Speaking to Newcastle’s official website after the deal for Martinez was confirmed, Wilson said: “We’re delighted to beat off serious competition from leading clubs across Europe to bring Johan to Newcastle United.
“Identifying and recruiting promising young players is a key part of how we build for the future, and our scouting and recruitment teams have worked diligently to secure Johan’s signature.
“Independiente del Valle have a strong reputation for developing young players and Johan has undoubtedly benefited from that environment. He will continue his progress there while we maintain a close connection with his development, and we look forward to welcoming him to Newcastle next year.”
Newcastle continue to sign young players from all across the world, as they look to build for the future.
That may not be enough to quieten rising fan levels of discontent right now, but it will be fascinating to see how it unfolds in the years to come.
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