Newcastle United are set to sign Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille, despite some recent links to Arsenal and the French club’s earlier insistence they wouldn’t sell.
Sky Sports News report that Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo has completed his medical ahead of signing for Newcastle United, with the club agreeing a transfer fee of £51m.
An announcement is expected imminently, and the player is set to wear the number 20 with his new side.
Fernandez-Pardo had been tentatively linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, though the fee required to sign the player was always implied to be a potential stumbling block.
Other interested clubs like Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig had also baulked at the asking price, though Lille’s negotiating stance has softened considerably as the window has gone on.
Lille president Olivier Letang had previously insisted Fernandez-Pardo was not for sale, saying: “The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not an issue. We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him.”
Foot Mercato then reported that the player could leave, but only for offers exceeding €70m (£60m). In the end, it seems he’s leaving for just £51m.
Fernandez-Pardo scored eight goals and assisted another seven in 2025/26, going on a run of seven goal contributions in Lille’s final 10 games of the Ligue 1 campaign.
The Belgium international striker helped his club side qualify for the Champions League this season, before heading off to the World Cup, where he played 41 minutes across three appearances before their eventual elimination by Spain.
Fernandez-Pardo missed the start of Lille’s season through a suspension carried over from 2025/26, and it looks like he’s going to depart the club before getting another chance to make an appearance.
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