Newcastle United have completed the signing of Belgian forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Ligue 1 side Lille OSC for an initial transfer fee of £51.4 million, the club announced Tuesday. The 21-year-old arrived on Tyneside on Monday night to undergo a medical and finalize terms on a long-term contract, ending weeks of speculation over his future. […]
Newcastle United have completed the signing of Belgian forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Ligue 1 side Lille OSC for an initial transfer fee of £51.4 million, the club announced Tuesday.
The 21-year-old arrived on Tyneside on Monday night to undergo a medical and finalize terms on a long-term contract, ending weeks of speculation over his future. Fernandez-Pardo was omitted from Lille’s squad for their 2-2 draw against Paris St-Germain last week and had been training away from the first-team group pending the resolution of his transfer.
Speaking after putting pen to paper, Fernandez-Pardo expressed his eagerness to join the Premier League side, citing the influence of head coach Matthias Jaissle as a decisive factor in his decision.
“I am very proud to be at such a big club,” the Belgium international said. “He [Jaissle] really showed how much he wanted me to be here. In terms of my own career progression, it made complete sense to come, so I didn’t hesitate at all. I know the club, I know about the stadium, I know it’s a fantastic atmosphere. I’ve followed the team. I’m still young, I’m still hungry, and that’s why I’m here, and I want to make that progress with Newcastle. I can’t wait to start the wonderful adventure here.”
Fernandez-Pardo has been a long-standing target for Newcastle, with interest dating back to the tenure of former head coach Eddie Howe. The signing aligns with the club’s strategic focus on acquiring young, high-potential talent. Across Europe’s top five leagues last season, the forward ranked second among players aged 21 and under for big chances created (21), fifth for touches in the opposition box (184) and shots on target (30), and seventh for combined goals and assists (13).
His versatility across the frontline was a key factor in Jaissle’s push to reinforce his attacking options this summer.
“Matias is a highly technical player with explosiveness in his game,” Jaissle said. “He can score and assist, he has courage, and he has the ability to take players on. We’re sure our supporters will enjoy watching him play. He has already shown in Lille that he can perform on the big stage, and we will work closely with him to keep developing his game further. We are excited to see him in a Newcastle United shirt.”
Fernandez-Pardo is expected to join his new teammates for training immediately as the club prepares for their upcoming fixtures.
