The young Spanish talent, Antonio Cordero, is very close to making the leap to the Premier League after catching the attention of several European clubs with his performance at Málaga. Although Atlético de Madrid showed interest in his incorporation, the footballer seems to have chosen the path of English soccer. However, he hasn't officially signed with Newcastle United yet, although negotiations are very advanced.
The Rise of a Promising Talent
Trained in the youth academies of Cádiz CF, Sevilla FC, and Real Betis, he joined Málaga in 2021, where his progression has been steady. His debut with the first team in September 2023, at just 16 years old, was a demonstration of his football maturity. In the 2023-2024 season, he alternated between the first team and the reserves, scoring four goals in 24 matches.
Since his breakthrough, the main Spanish clubs have been closely following his evolution, with Atlético de Madrid especially interested in incorporating him into their squad for next year. The red-and-white management saw in Cordero a potential long-term reinforcement, capable of bringing freshness and talent to the offensive line of the team led by Diego Pablo Simeone.
Atlético's Interest and the Premier's Emergence
Atlético de Madrid closely followed Antonio Cordero since late 2024, seeing in him a signing with great potential to strengthen their future attack. However, the Premier League, with Newcastle United at the forefront, entered strongly in the race for the player. Starting in January 2025, with his contract with Málaga expiring in June, Cordero was able to negotiate freely with other clubs, which facilitated the talks with Newcastle.
Newcastle offered him a contract that not only economically improved any proposal from LaLiga but also guaranteed him a spot in the first team and the ability to play. This was a key factor in the player's decision, who valued the competitive level of the English league as a great opportunity for his growth as a professional. Although the agreement hasn't been made official, the signing is expected to occur in the coming days.
Why Didn't He Join Atlético?
Despite the interest from the red-and-white team, the economic and sporting offer from the Premier League was more attractive. Newcastle guaranteed him a growth project with minutes in the first team and a clear commitment to his future. Additionally, the competitiveness and exposure of the English league were determining factors for the player and his entourage.
Atlético, meanwhile, has had difficulties closing signings of young prospects in recent years due to their financial structure and strict control of salaries. The competition with English clubs, which have greater economic capacity and salary flexibility, makes it difficult to incorporate emerging talents like Cordero. Furthermore, in the position where the young player from Cádiz plays, the red-and-white team has established players, which might have made the footballer see fewer opportunities to play.