Newcastle United have completed the signing of forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille for an initial £51.4m.
The 21-year-old Belgium international arrived on Tyneside on Monday night for his medical before agreeing a long-term deal. He said he was proud to join a club of Newcastle’s stature after talks with head coach Matthias Jaissle, who made clear how much he wanted him at St James’ Park. Fernandez-Pardo said the move was the right step for his development, noting he already knew about the club, its stadium and atmosphere. Hungry to improve, he is eager to begin his new chapter with Newcastle.
Before the transfer, Lille omitted him from the squad for the 2-2 draw with Paris St-Germain and had him train separately while his future was decided. Newcastle have pursued Fernandez-Pardo since Eddie Howe’s tenure, and he fits the age profile the club targets.
Among players 21 and under in Europe’s top five leagues last season, he ranked second for big chances (21), fifth for touches in the opposition box (184) and shots on target (30), and seventh for combined goals and assists (13). His flexibility across the forward line was another key attraction.
Jaissle described him as a technically sharp, explosive attacker who both scores and creates, shows bravery, and can beat defenders. He believes supporters will enjoy watching him, noting the player has already proved himself at Lille, and said the club will work to elevate his game further. He added that everyone is excited to see Fernandez-Pardo in a Newcastle shirt.