Newcastle United are close to completing a deal worth up to £55 million for Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo as they seek one more attacking addition before the transfer window closes.
The 21-year-old Belgium international has been on Newcastle’s radar for some time, with interest dating back to Eddie Howe’s tenure as head coach. His ability to operate across the frontline has strengthened his appeal to manager Matthias Jaissle.
Fernandez-Pardo was omitted from Lille’s squad for their 2-2 draw with Paris St-Germain last week and has since been training away from the first-team group while his future is resolved.
Newcastle are now working to finalise the move, which could allow fellow forward Nick Woltemade to leave on loan. Juventus have expressed interest in the German striker.
The proposed signing would be Newcastle’s eighth of the summer as the club continue to reshape their squad and add further depth in attack.
Fernandez-Pardo’s performances in Europe’s major five leagues last season underline why he has become a priority target. Among players aged 21 or under, he ranked second for big chances created, fifth for touches in the opposition box and shots on target, and seventh for combined goals and assists.
Jaissle indicated after Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur that Newcastle would remain measured in the closing stages of the window.
“We know our needs,” he said. “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.”
