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Newcastle United have announced the signing of Antonio Cordero on Thursday, after beating many other teams in the race.

The Magpies confirmed the arrival of the Spanish winger from Malaga, who has now joined the club for free following the expiration of his contract.

"We are delighted to announce the signing of Antonio Cordero who'll join on 1 July following the expiry of his contract with Málaga. Welcome to the club, Antonio," a statement from the club read.

Who is Antonio Cordero?

Antonio José Cordero Campillo, known as Antonito, is a promising Spanish footballer born on November 14, 2006, in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Standing at 1.78 meters, he primarily plays as a right winger and has recently signed with Newcastle United in the English Premier League.

Early Career and Development

Cordero began his football journey in the youth academies of several Spanish clubs, including Jerez Alternativa, Xerez Balompié, Cádiz, Sevilla, and Real Betis. In 2021, he joined Málaga CF's youth setup, where he progressed quickly. He signed his first professional contract with Málaga on November 17, 2022, at the age of 16.

Rise at Malaga CF

He made his first-team debut for Málaga on September 2, 2023, becoming the fourth-youngest player ever to do so for the club. Throughout the 2023–2024 season, he balanced appearances for both the senior and reserve squads. His standout moment came during the promotion playoff against Gimnàstic de Tarragona, where he scored a crucial goal that helped secure Málaga’s return to the Segunda División. In total, Cordero made 60 senior appearances, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists.

International Experience

At the international level, Cordero has played for Spain's U18 and U19 teams, earning a combined 14 caps and scoring two goals. His versatility and creativity have made him a standout performer at youth levels.

Transfer to Newcastle United

In June 2025, Cordero has signed for Newcastle United on a free transfer, becoming the club's first acquisition of the summer. Despite interest from major European clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona, he opted for Newcastle, citing his desire to grow in a competitive environment.