Atlético de Madrid is about to make a significant move in the transfer market. The red-and-white club is closely following Antonio Cordero, one of the most promising gems in Spanish soccer. Everything suggests that they could get ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race for his signing, but pressure is coming from England.
The young talent from Málaga CF, also known as Antoñito, has caught the attention of several European giants. However, Atlético de Madrid seems determined to secure a strategic signing that could shape the team's future.
Who Is Antonio Cordero and Why Is Atlético de Madrid Interested?
Born in Jerez de la Frontera in 2006, Antonio Cordero has developed in the youth ranks of clubs like Cádiz, Sevilla, and Betis, before joining Málaga in 2021. His debut with the first team in September 2023, at the age of 16, confirmed what many already knew: he is a footballer with special talent.
In the 2023-2024 season, he alternated between the first team and the reserves, scoring 4 goals in 24 matches. Now, having just turned 18, he has become a key player for Málaga in the 2024-2025 campaign, establishing himself as one of the most promising players in Spanish soccer. His speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring instinct have caught the attention of top-tier teams.
Atlético de Madrid Gets Ahead of Real Madrid and Barça
The interest in Antonio Cordero is not exclusive to Atlético de Madrid. According to various reports, clubs like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Arsenal, and Newcastle have closely followed his development. However, the red-and-white sports management, led by Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, has made a move before their rivals.
What makes his signing particularly attractive is his contractual situation. Cordero's contract with Málaga ends in 2025, allowing him to negotiate freely with any team starting in January of that same year. This means that Atlético could sign him without needing to pay a transfer fee, a market opportunity that hasn't gone unnoticed at the Metropolitano.
Newcastle Pressures, but Atlético Remains Calm
Newcastle United has shown great interest and has already held talks with the player and his entourage. In fact, the English club's sporting director, Paul Mitchell, has negotiated a pre-contract with Cordero, although nothing is finalized yet.