Barcelona ready to shell out €2 million for teenage Spanish prodigy in January

FC Barcelona have not forgotten about Antonio Cordero, also known as Antonito, the forward from Malaga who came close to joining the Catalan club last summer.

The Blaugrana held an interest in signing the teenage attacker in the summer but, at that time, Malaga’s €3 million transfer fee demand for the player halted the operation, especially considering that his contract expires in 2025.

Barcelona could fast-track Antonito’s signing in January

While the move might have fallen through Barcelona’s interest in Antonito, who has not renewed his contract with Malaga, remains intact.

While he could join for free in the summer, his arrival at Barça could be brought forward to the upcoming winter transfer window for a fee of only €2 million, including variables, according to Radio MARCA Malaga (h/t SPORT).

According to the report, Malaga would now accept the offer, which is lower than the proposals made by Barcelona last summer.

But the Andalusian club prefers to receive some money in the winter rather than let the player leave for free in the summer.

The offer made by the Blaugrana a few months ago was €1.8 million fixed, plus variables.

In total, Malaga could have earned €4 million, but the majority of those conditions were difficult to meet, as they were dependent on the number of matches Antonito played with the first team.

Now, the offer has decreased, as time is on Barça’s side with the player’s contract ending on 30 June.

Antonito, represented by Pini Zahavi, is only 18 years old and has played 17 matches this season with Malaga’s first team in the Second Division, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

If he signs, he will join the Barça Atletic squad, with first-team coach Hansi Flick keeping an eye on his progress.