Newcastle confirm first transfer of the summer in blow for Barcelona and Real Madrid as young Spanish winger signs deal at St James' Park

Cordero, who has impressed with his performances in the Spanish second division, is set to join the Magpies pending Premier League registration and the player receiving clearance to work in the United Kingdom. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder will officially become a Newcastle player when his current contract with Malaga concludes on July 1.

European heavyweights including Barcelona and Real Madrid had reportedly shown strong interest in securing his services, but Newcastle managed to win the race for his signature thanks to a well-executed recruitment strategy. The young Spaniard featured in 60 matches for Malaga and was instrumental in their fight to remain in Spain's Segunda Division. Over the course of the season, he contributed six goals and seven assists.

After joining the Magpies, Cordero said: "It's truly an honour to be here, truly a pleasure. 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."

Cordero's path to the Premier League began in Malaga's youth academy, where he first arrived in 2021. Just a year later, he earned his first professional deal, which would ultimately serve as the launching pad for his rapid development. His senior debut came not long afterwards and he soon found himself playing for both the first team and Atletico Malagueno, the club's B side. His breakthrough moment came in the promotion play-offs, when he netted a dramatic goal against Gimnastic de Tarragona, helping Malaga clinch a return to the Segunda Division.

The deal was orchestrated under the leadership of outgoing sporting director Paul Mitchell, who was instrumental in convincing Cordero to choose Newcastle over Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, it is expected Cordero will be sent out on loan to gain more experience at the elite level before he gets to impress at St James' Park.