Newcastle United have completed the signing of highly rated Belgium international Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille in a deal worth an initial £51 million.
The 21-year-old forward has signed a long-term contract at St James’ Park and becomes Newcastle’s eighth first-team arrival of a dramatic summer transfer window. He will wear the No.20 shirt.
Newcastle officially confirmed the transfer on Tuesday, although the club described the fee as undisclosed. Sky Sports reports that the Magpies have paid Lille £51m, while other reports suggest the package could eventually rise to around £55m with add-ons.
Fernandez-Pardo reveals why he chose Newcastle
Fernandez-Pardo arrives with a reputation as one of Belgium’s most exciting young attacking talents and can operate on either wing or through the middle.
His decision was heavily influenced by Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle, who personally outlined his plans for the forward.
“I spoke to the head coach and he really showed how much he wanted me to be here,” Fernandez-Pardo told Newcastle’s official channels. “In terms of my own career progression, it made complete sense to come, so I didn’t hesitate at all.”
He added that Newcastle’s aggressive attacking approach was another major attraction.
“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.”
Jaissle believes Newcastle supporters will quickly warm to their latest acquisition.
“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,” the Newcastle boss said.
Newcastle land one of Belgium’s rising stars
Fernandez-Pardo was born in Brussels and spent time in the Anderlecht and Mechelen youth systems before moving to Lille’s academy.
He later joined Gent and broke into their senior team before returning to Lille in 2024.
The forward enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, scoring eight goals in 41 appearances across all competitions as Lille secured Champions League qualification.
His speed and direct running have attracted particular attention.
Former Gent coach Arnar Vidarsson compared aspects of Fernandez-Pardo’s game with Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku, describing the Newcastle signing as “very explosive, very fast” and possessing “unbelievable power”.
Fernandez-Pardo has also broken into the Belgium senior team, winning five caps and earning a place in their squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Eighth signing takes spending beyond £260m
Fernandez-Pardo becomes the latest arrival in a major rebuilding programme at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have also signed Nico Gonzalez from Manchester City, Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim, Aladji Bamba from Monaco, Amar Dedic from Benfica, Lukas Hornicek from Braga, Sean Steur from Ajax and Ewen Jaouen from Reims.
Sky Sports estimates the latest transfer takes Newcastle’s summer spending to approximately £262m.
The arrival also clears the way for club-record signing Nick Woltemade to complete his season-long loan move to Juventus. The German striker has travelled to Italy for a medical, with that agreement containing neither an option nor an obligation to buy.
Newcastle will now hope Fernandez-Pardo’s pace, versatility and goalscoring potential can justify another significant investment as Jaissle’s radically reshaped squad takes shape.
