Newcastle Utd analysis: How does Toon target Antonio Cordero compare with Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy?
Newcastle United are reportedly close to agreeing a deal with 18-year-old Malaga winger Antonio Cordero on a free transfer ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window.
Cordero, sometimes known as Antoñito, will put pen to paper in June according to North East reporter Craig Hope, with the winger’s family having already visited Tyneside in the last few weeks.
The Spain U19 international has registered four goals and six assists in 15 starts this season in the Spanish Second Division, drawing interest from many European clubs, including LaLiga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
What would Antonio Cordero bring to Newcastle?
Antoñito has played off both flanks so far this season, so his addition would add a great deal of versatility to Eddie Howe’s front line in the future.
An all-action winger, the 18-year-old will contribute well in terms of chance creation, with his shot volume being impressive for someone of his age.
Compared to the Magpies’ current starting wingers, Cordero averages 0.5 shots on target per game, the same as Jacob Murphy, and registers just 0.2 less than star man Anthony Gordon.
The chance creation numbers are also impressive for his age and in comparison to Murphy is not that far off.
At 0.7 chances created per game, the Spanish winger completes only 0.5 less than the 30-year-old Englishman every match while having significantly fewer touches.
With only 25 touches per game, Cordero averages a key pass per 35.7 touches he takes.
While not quite as high as Murphy (30.5) and Gordon (23.5), it is still an impressive ratio, leaving a lot to be excited about in the future.
The defensive work rate from the 18-year-old will also be something that will impress the Newcastle fanbase and coaching staff, regaining possession in the final third at a similar rate to both of the Magpies’ starting wide men.
Antoñito clearly profiles well physically, winning 2.6 duels per game at a 47% rate, compared to Murphy who only wins duels at a 37% rate (1.8 duels won).
While Cordero is still very raw and way off the finished product, the suggestion is that the 18-year-old will be loaned out next season to help develop and polish off his game.
As a free transfer, Newcastle fans should not expect too much from Cordero in the early stage of his Magpies career but they should certainly be excited about the potential of the Spaniard.
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