Real Madrid are preparing to go head-to-head with their arch-rivals Barcelona in the pursuit of Malaga’s rising star, Antonio Cordero, better known as Antonito. The 18-year-old sensation has caught the attention of Spain’s two biggest clubs, setting the stage for a fierce transfer battle in the upcoming January window.
According to reports from Marca, Real Madrid have been closely monitoring Antonito’s progress and are now showing serious interest in securing his signature. However, they are not alone in their admiration for the youngster, as Barcelona have also been linked with a move for the talented Spaniard.
Antonito’s performances for Malaga in the Segunda Division have been nothing short of impressive. Despite his tender age, he has already contributed three goals and three assists in just 12 league appearances, with only seven of those being starts. His potential and raw talent have not gone unnoticed, and it’s clear that both Real Madrid and Barcelona see him as a valuable asset for the future.
Real Madrid’s interest in Antonito is not a new development. The club had initially hoped to sign him this past summer for their B team, Real Madrid Castilla. However, Malaga’s determination to retain their prized asset saw them turn down Madrid’s proposal. The Andalusian club’s desire to extend Antonito’s contract, which is set to expire on June 30, 2025, has been a top priority.
But as the January transfer window approaches, Malaga finds themselves in a precarious position. With just six weeks remaining before Antonito is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with other clubs, the pressure is mounting on Malaga to secure his long-term future. Failure to do so could see them lose their wonderkid for a fraction of his true value.
The stakes are high for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, as their B teams, Real Madrid Castilla and Barca Atletic, respectively, are currently threatened by relegation to the fourth tier of Spanish football. The addition of a player with Antonito’s quality and potential could be the lifeline they need to avoid the drop and maintain their status in the third division.
Antonito’s recent performances for the Spain U19 side in their EURO U19 qualifiers have only served to further highlight his immense potential. In the 83 minutes he played against the Faroe Islands U19, he scored a goal and provided an assist, showcasing his ability to make an impact on the international stage.
As the transfer saga unfolds, the decision ultimately rests in the hands of the young prodigy himself. Malaga are persistent in their efforts to convince Antonito to sign an extension, but they face a formidable challenge in the form of his agent, Pini Zahavi. Zahavi, one of the most influential football agents in the world, has close ties with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and represents some of the biggest names in the sport, including Robert Lewandowski and Hansi Flick.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Antonito’s future. Will he choose to remain loyal to Malaga and help the club in their fight for promotion, or will he be swayed by the allure of playing for one of Spain’s footballing giants? The tug-of-war between Real Madrid and Barcelona is set to intensify as both clubs vie for the signature of one of Spain’s brightest young talents.
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Malaga and Antonito. The outcome of this transfer battle could have far-reaching implications, not just for the player himself, but for the clubs involved and the future of Spanish football. With Real Madrid and Barcelona both determined to secure his services, Antonito finds himself at the center of a transfer storm that is sure to captivate football fans around the world.
Only time will tell where Antonito’s future lies, but one thing is certain: the battle for his signature is set to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the January transfer window. As Real Madrid and Barcelona go head-to-head, the football world waits with bated breath to see which club will emerge victorious in the race for Malaga’s wonderkid.
