Newcastle United close to signing Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo for up to £55m
Quick Look
- Newcastle United are finalising a deal to sign Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo for up to £55m, with the 21-year-old Belgian having been excluded from Lille's squad ahead of the transfer window closure.
- The move could allow Nick Woltemade to depart on loan amid interest from Juventus.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Newcastle United have made seven signings this summer and are seeking to add another attacker before the transfer window closes. Matias Fernandez-Pardo has been a long-standing target dating back to Eddie Howe's tenure as head coach.
Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo in a deal worth up to £55m.
Newcastle have been pushing to recruit another attacker in the final days of the transfer window after making seven signings to date this summer.
Fernandez-Pardo was tellingly left out of Lille's squad for the 2-2 draw against Paris St-Germain last week and ordered to train away from the first-team squad until the window shuts on Tuesday and the 21-year-old's future has been resolved.
Newcastle are now finalising a move for Fernandez-Pardo, which could pave the way for fellow forward Nick Woltemade to leave on loan following interest from Juventus.
The Belgium forward has been a longstanding target of Newcastle's - dating back to former head coach Eddie Howe's time in charge - and fits the age range the club have been targeting.
Of those players aged 21 and under across Europe's big five leagues last season, Fernandez-Pardo ranked second for big chances (21), fifth for touches in the opposition box (184) and shots on target (30), and seventh for goals and assists combined (13).
His ability to play in a number of positions across the frontline also made him an attractive target as manager Matthias Jaissle looked to strengthen his squad.
"We know our needs," he said after the 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. "Ross [Wilson, the sporting director] is doing an amazing job.
"We have a couple of days left where we will not panic and do something crazy we do not believe is the right decision.
"That's the most important thing, and on the management and leadership level that we're all aligned and all speaking the same language."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Newcastle United will complete the signing of Matias Fernandez-Pardo before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
Likely · Within days
Nick Woltemade will join Juventus on loan if the Fernandez-Pardo transfer is completed.
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will the transfer be completed before the window closes on Tuesday?
- What will be the exact fee structure for the Fernandez-Pardo transfer?
- Will Nick Woltemade actually join Juventus on loan as suggested?
