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Matias Fernandez-Pardo transfer news: Newcastle sign Lille forward ahead of transfer deadline in deal worth £51m | Football News

Newcastle United have signed Matias Fernandez-Pardo from French club Lille in a deal worth £51m.

Fernandez-Pardo has penned a long-term contract and will wear the No 20 shirt at St James’ Park. The deal brings Newcastle’s summer spending to £262m.

Newcastle see the signing of forward Fernandez-Pardo as on a par with that of Nico Gonzalez, who joined the club last week from Man City for £50m.

He scored eight goals in 41 appearances for Lille last season and was named in Belgium’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. His call-up came after he had initially switched his international allegiance to Spain, where he featured in youth-team training camps but never made a competitive appearance.

His arrival will allow Nick Woltemade to leave on loan, with Juventus in direct talks with Newcastle over the German striker.

Speaking to the club’s official channels, Fernandez-Pardo said: “I spoke to the head coach and he 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. What I’ve seen is a very ambitious team, wants to attack, get forward, really chase teams and go after them, and that’s really something I want to take part in as well.”

Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle added: “Matias is a highly technical player with explosiveness in his game. 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.”

‘A smart signing for Newcastle’

European football expert Julien Laurens on Sky Sports News:

I think it’s a really smart signing by Newcastle. To have replaced Woltemade with someone like him who fits the Jaissle system.

“That verticality, that running and the pace. Fernandez-Pardo will be perfect for that. He’s a winger at heart but with all the skills that are required, he moved into a No 9 because of the smart runs that he can make and that he presses so well.

“He’s just relentless in what he does on the pitch and that’s perfect. If he and Yoane Wissa can partner well together with Will Osula, who’s a slightly different profile, certainly in terms of height and physicality. Then I think you’ve got a great core there for Jaissle.

‘I expected Woltemade to stay and fight for his spot at Newcastle’

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg:

“I expected Nick Woltemade to stay to fight because I expected him to gain more match practice under the new coach. It’s a German connection, but aside from that, he wanted to stay and fight.

“But we have to talk about the fact that Newcastle increased the pressure with a new signing from France for €60m (£51m), so there was no space for Nick Woltemade. Let’s see what will happen in Italy.

“It’s a loan move. As I understand it, it’s also without an option or obligation to buy.

“The package is around €4m (£3.4m). Let’s see. I’m not a big fan of these big loan moves before the deadline. I have seen that with Randal Kolo Muani. Fingers crossed, because we need a very strong Nick Woltemade for the national team.”