Newcastle sign Fernandez-Pardo from Lille for 60m

Newcastle United completed the signing of Belgian forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille on September 1, 2026, the final day of the summer transfer window. The 21-year-old joined on a long-term contract for a reported fee of approximately 60 million pounds, making him the club's eighth first-team arrival of the summer. His transfer was announced by the club on Tuesday, with the player expressing his excitement about the move. Fernandez-Pardo, who can operate across the front line but is primarily a centre forward, made 71 appearances for Lille after joining from Gent in 2024, scoring 12 goals and providing 12 assists. He was left out of Lille's squad for their 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain and was ordered to train away from the first team until his future was resolved. The Belgian international ranked fifth among players aged 21 and under in Europe's top five leagues for touches in the opposition box and shots on target last season, with 13 goal involvements. "I spoke to the head coach, and he really showed how much he wanted me to be here," Fernandez-Pardo told Newcastle's club website.