Newcastle United’s calculated gamble as Antonio Cordero medical takes place ahead of loan exit

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Newcastle United youngster Antonio Cordero is finally closing in on a loan move away from St James’ Park.

The 18-year-old has not been seen on Tyneside since his unveiling, with Newcastle signing Cordero on a free transfer from Malaga at the beginning of June.

Ever since it emerged that Antonio Cordero was heading to St James’ Park, he has been expected to immediately go out on loan.

• Who is Antonio Cordero? Meet the exciting Spanish teenager Newcastle United have signed on a free transfer

Newcastle United set to loan Antonio Cordero out to Westerlo

That move is now imminent. Cordero was linked with Ajax, but the Spanish teenager is actually taking his talents to Belgium.

According to the Athletic, Cordero is going to join Jupiler Pro League side KVC Westerlo on loan for the duration of the 2025/26 season.

The Athletic state that the attacker is having a medical with the Belgian side, as he gets set to begin his first temporary stint away from Newcastle United.

Toon officials will hope it is fruitful, as they understandably have high hopes for Cordero. He is a player who they hope can blossom into a Premier League player.

Antonio Cordero to be managed by a rookie as Newcastle United loan exit nears

With that in mind, a loan move to Westerlo could be seen as a risk. That is because they have a new manager, with Issame Charaï officially getting the job as head coach in June.

Charaï was recently part of Philippe Clement’s coaching staff at Rangers, working as his assistant manager.

Interestingly, this is the first time in his club coaching career that Charaï has been the main man. The 43-year-old was previously in charge of the Morocco Under-23s, but this is the first time at club level that he has been a manager.

It is unclear how he will do, which sums up why Newcastle sending Cordero to Westerlo is a risk.

Upon confirmation of Charaï’s appointment, Westerlo stated on their official website: “Charaï’s understanding of the domestic league and his commitment to developing young talent make him an excellent fit for our club’s vision and long-term strategy.”

That commitment to developing young talent should hopefully put Newcastle’s minds at ease, as they hope for Cordero to return as a better player.