Newcastle United have signed Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille on a long-term contract, the clubs have confirmed. The transfer fee for the 21-year-old Belgium international was not disclosed.
Fernandez-Pardo will wear the No. 20 shirt and becomes Newcastle’s eighth first-team arrival of the summer window. He can operate in central attacking positions or from either side of the forward line.
The player said discussions with head coach Matthias Jaissle convinced him that Newcastle was the right place for the next stage of his development. He also cited the club’s attacking approach and the atmosphere at St James’ Park.
Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson said the club had identified Fernandez-Pardo as a leading target in May and remained engaged throughout the window. Wilson highlighted the forward’s speed, intensity and work rate.
Born in Brussels, Fernandez-Pardo spent time in the Anderlecht and Mechelen youth systems before joining Lille’s academy. He later moved to Gent, made his senior debut in Belgium and returned to Lille in 2024.
Lille said he made 71 appearances and scored 12 goals during his final two seasons in France. He featured in both the Champions League and Europa League and helped the club qualify for European competition in successive campaigns.
His form also earned senior international recognition with Belgium, including appearances at the 2026 World Cup. Newcastle have not yet confirmed when Fernandez-Pardo could make his debut.
Transfer details
Newcastle announced an undisclosed fee and a long-term contract without giving an end date. Lille separately confirmed a permanent transfer to the Premier League, while the buying club assigned Fernandez-Pardo the No. 20 shirt.
The forward was Newcastle’s eighth senior addition of the window. Sporting director Ross Wilson said the recruitment team had maintained contact after making the player a priority earlier in the summer.
Development in Belgium and France
Fernandez-Pardo’s youth career crossed the Belgian-French border more than once. After early spells with Anderlecht and Mechelen, he trained at Lille, moved to Gent and then returned to northern France following his senior breakthrough.
Lille’s record credits him with 71 appearances and 12 goals during the two seasons before his departure. Those campaigns exposed him to Ligue 1 and both major UEFA club competitions before he earned a place with Belgium’s senior side.
What happens next
Newcastle expect the new forward to provide direct running and pressing from more than one attacking position. Jaissle said the coaching staff would work with Fernandez-Pardo to continue developing his end product and overall game.
The club have not confirmed a debut date. Fernandez-Pardo’s first appearance will depend on registration, training and the final selection for Newcastle’s next fixture.