Newcastle sign Fernandez-Pardo from Lille for £51.4m
The 21-year-old Belgium forward joins on a long-term deal after passing a medical, giving Matthias Jaissle a versatile attacking option.
Newcastle United have signed Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille on a long-term contract, with the fee understood to be £51.4million.
The 21-year-old forward flew into Tyneside on Monday night for a medical before putting pen to paper. Lille had already left him out of the squad for last week's 2-2 draw against Paris St-Germain and ordered him to train away from the first-team group once his departure became a formality.
Newcastle have tracked him for some time, an interest dating back to Eddie Howe's spell in charge, and he fits the age profile the club have been targeting under Matthias Jaissle. Among players aged 21 and under across Europe's big five leagues last season, Fernandez-Pardo ranked second for big chances created, fifth for touches in the opposition box and shots on target, and seventh for goals and assists combined.
He came through six years in Lille's academy, then spent time in Gent's youth ranks before making his senior debut there in 2023. Back at Lille from 2024, he played in the Champions League and Europa League and helped the side finish third in Ligue 1 last season. He is a Belgium international.
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