Barcelona’s summer approach for 17-year-old Spanish prospect confirmed by club director

Barcelona’s recently concluded summer transfer window was far from eventful with the club largely disconnected from the market.

Their only signings of the window were Dani Olmo and Pau Victor while the sales included big names like Ilkay Gundogan, Mikayil Faye, Vitor Roque and Julian Araujo.

While indeed their financial troubles halted their progress in the market, Barcelona pushed to sign young stars until the last minute and made several useful signings for Barça Atletic.

One such youngster they showed keen interest in was 17-year-old Malaga winger Antonio Cordero, also known as ‘Antonito’.

Malaga official confirms interest

Speaking in a recent press conference via Mundo Deportivo, Malaga sporting director Loren Juarros confirmed that Barcelona had indeed contacted the club over the talented striker’s signing.

“On August 29, I received a call from the director of FC Barcelona’s grassroots football (José Ramón Alexanko), but we will make an effort to ensure that Antoñito stays here, within the limits of normality and demands,” he said.

The Catalans reportedly pressed until the last minute to land Antonito for Barça Atletic and even reached an agreement in principle to sign him.

Malaga, however, insisted that they counted on the 17-year-old even after his current contract and turned down Barcelona’s offer. They are thus pushing for an extension at the earliest.

Antonito’s contract ends next summer and Barcelona can snap up his services for free if he turns down a renewal.

Last season, he played 22 games for the Malaga first team and was instrumental in their promotion to the first division. In fact, he scored the crucial goal for his side against Nastic that secured their promotion to the playoff.