Newcastle United are considering cutting short Antonio Cordero’s loan spell at KVC Westerlo after growing frustrated with the Belgian club’s handling of the teenager.
The 18-year-old forward, who arrived from Málaga amid high expectations last summer, has yet to start a single game in the Belgian Pro League, despite assurances from Westerlo that he would be given regular minutes.
Newcastle sanctioned the move in July, even accepting a loan fee of around £1.8 million, with the intention of giving the Spanish youngster valuable first-team experience. But with Antonio Cordero limited to sporadic substitute appearances, club officials are now ready to terminate the deal in January.
It marks another case of Newcastle’s growing irritation with loan arrangements that fail to deliver on promises of player development. The club is said to be reviewing its wider loan strategy after several young players struggled for meaningful minutes elsewhere in recent seasons.
Antonio Cordero, once linked with Barcelona, could now return to Tyneside mid-season. Whether Eddie Howe chooses to integrate him into first-team training or send him on loan to another European club remains to be decided.
When Newcastle confirmed the signing last summer, the club said:
“The 18-year-old joined the Magpies in July upon the expiry of his contract at Málaga, after making 60 senior appearances for the Spanish team including 37 last season in La Liga 2. Cordero represented Spain at the UEFA Under-19 Championship and played a key role as his country reached the final, starting four of their five matches.”
At the time of his move to Westerlo, Antonio Cordero expressed excitement about the challenge ahead:
“It’s truly an honour to be here. I’m someone who likes to aim high — and why not do it in one of the best environments in the world? It’s a big step, and I’m happy and eager to get started.”
Then-sporting director Paul Mitchell added:
“Antonio is an exciting talent and we’re delighted to bring him to Newcastle United amid interest from across Europe. He has a lot of potential, and the next phase of his development will be about finding a loan move that challenges him and builds on his experience.”
That plan, however, appears to have stalled — and Newcastle now look set to take matters into their own hands.
