A New Clásico in the Making? Barça and Real Madrid Eye Málaga’s Young Star

FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, Spain's footballing powerhouses, are reportedly set to battle it out for the signing of one of the most exciting young talents in Spanish football: Antonio Cordero. The 18-year-old winger, a product of Málaga CF's youth academy, currently plies his trade with the first team in La Liga Hypermotion (Spain’s second division) and has caught the attention of these two giants due to his impressive performances.

Hailing from Jerez de la Frontera, Cordero has been a standout player for Málaga this season, registering three goals and three assists in just 13 appearances across all competitions, including the Copa del Rey. His combination of flair, pace, and football intelligence has made him one of the brightest prospects in Spanish football, earning him the nickname “Antoñito” among fans and teammates.

Contract Situation Sparks Interest

Cordero’s contract with Málaga is set to expire on June 30, 2025. While the Andalusian club has reportedly offered the youngster a contract extension, he has yet to sign, leaving his future uncertain. This situation has opened the door for Barcelona and Real Madrid to consider acquiring the player, with the possibility of a free transfer in the summer of 2025 if no renewal agreement is reached.

Barcelona, known for their keen eye for young talent, has shown a particular interest in securing Cordero's services. The Catalan club reportedly views the winger as a promising addition to their Barça B team, with plans to nurture his talent and prepare him for eventual integration into the first team. With the club's emphasis on developing young players and providing a pathway to top-tier football, Cordero could see this as an appealing opportunity.

Real Madrid Enters the Picture

Not to be outdone, Real Madrid has also joined the race for the Málaga starlet. According to reports from Radio Marca, Los Blancos are actively monitoring Cordero’s situation. Santiago Solari, Real Madrid’s director of football, has even taken a personal interest, reportedly traveling to assess the player up close and potentially accelerate Madrid's efforts to secure his signature. This move highlights Real Madrid's intent to challenge their eternal rivals in what could become a high-stakes transfer battle.

Factors Influencing the Decision

Barcelona may hold an advantage due to their positive relationship with Pini Zahavi, Cordero's agent. Zahavi, who also represents notable figures associated with Barcelona, such as Hansi Flick and Robert Lewandowski, has previously worked closely with the Catalan club’s president, Joan Laporta. This connection could play a significant role in swaying the young winger’s decision.

On the other hand, Real Madrid’s reputation for developing world-class players and their current emphasis on youth talent could also be enticing for Cordero. The club’s recent success in bringing through players like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo demonstrates their ability to nurture young stars into key first-team players.

What Lies Ahead?

As the competition heats up, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona or Real Madrid will prevail in securing Antonio Cordero’s signature. For now, Málaga will hope to convince their academy graduate to commit his future to the club, but with two of the biggest clubs in the world vying for his services, Cordero’s next move could soon become a key storyline in Spanish football.