Newcastle Utd news: Three underrated youngsters Eddie Howe should bring to the Premier League for free
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are close to completing a deal to sign 18-year-old winger Antonio Cordero from Malaga CF on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract.
The Spaniard has registered four goals and five assists in LaLiga2 this season, and the Magpies have reportedly fought off interest from giants such as Real Madrid and Barcelona to secure his services.
Newcastle’s transfer strategy under sporting director Paul Mitchell is set to undergo a change, with more of a focus on undervalued, emerging talent from clubs across the globe.
This has been a market Newcastle have done business in previously – with the signings of Yankuba Minteh, Garang Kuol, Vakhtang Salia and Miodrag Pivas.
Within the current PSR restrictions, finding young talent at a low cost and selling in the future for profit is a very effective way of generating income to allow for first-team spending, or in an ideal world – those players go on to become regulars at the club.
Transfer News Blitz’s writer Josh Kirtley has looked at young talent from around the world whose contracts are set to expire in 2025 – to find more potential hidden gems which Newcastle could look at.
Rayan, Vasco da Gama
Rayan Vitor is an 18-year-old forward for Brazilian club Vasco da Gama, whose contract is set to expire in December 2025.
He made his senior debut for the club as a 16-year-old in January 2023 and has since gone on to make 43 appearances, scoring four goals.
At international level, Rayan was a pivotal part of Brazil’s triumph in the South America U17’s Championship – scoring five goals, a joint high for the tournament along with now Manchester City player, Claudio Echeverri.
Newcastle have been continually linked with right-sided forwards after the sale of Miguel Almiron, and despite Jacob Murphy’s form, the position lacks depth and a long-term option in the area.
Although any young talent Newcastle may sign will almost certainly be loaned out immediately, Rayan’s potential certainly makes him one to keep an eye on in the future.
Nicolo Bertola, Spezia
Centre-back is an area that Newcastle have been looking at in recent times, with the club being linked to the likes of Dean Huijsen, Ilia Zabarnyi, Marc Guehi and Edmond Tapsoba.
21-year-old Nicolo Bertola’s contract at Spezia expires this summer and is normally valued at around £6million.
The six-foot-three-inch defender and Italy U21 international has made 22 appearances this season in Serie B, having 70% tackles won, 62% aerial duels won and a pass accuracy of 80%.
If he is a player Newcastle were to pursue, they would potentially be accompanied by the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus – who have both previously been linked with the defender.
Nelson Weiper, Mainz 05
19-year-old striker Nelson Weiper’s contract is set to expire this summer with FSV Mainz 05.
The German forward has scored two goals after five starts in the Bundesliga this season and has greatly impressed at youth level.
Weiper scored 21 goals in 19 appearances for Mainz’s U19 side and has also received previous call-ups to Germany’s U21 team in 2023.
Newcastle of course have their superstar forward in Alexander Isak, however, Callum Wilson’s persistent injury problems and contract expiry this summer make it highly likely that the club will look for another centre-forward, both for the senior team and the future.
Mainz manager, Bo Henriksen, previously stated that Weiper has ‘enormous potential’ after scoring against VFB Stuttgart in a 2-0 victory.
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