Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on an agreement to sign Lille attacker Matias Fernandez-Pardo following a major breakthrough in negotiations.
The Magpies have been pushing to add another attacking option before the transfer window closes, and Sunday morning has brought potentially huge news from France.
According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Newcastle have accelerated negotiations with Lille and are now close to reaching an agreement for the 21-year-old Belgium international.
Newcastle are understood to have moved significantly closer to Lille’s valuation after talks progressed over the weekend.
Newcastle Step Up Fernandez-Pardo Pursuit
The Magpies had previously made an offer reported by L’Équipe to be around €40million before bonuses, but Lille were reluctant to allow one of their brightest attacking talents to leave.
That position now appears to be changing.
Fernandez-Pardo has made his desire to leave Lille clear and has been removed from the first-team group while the transfer window remains open.
Lille manager Davide Ancelotti confirmed ahead of the club’s clash with PSG that Fernandez-Pardo would no longer train with the squad until his situation was resolved.
With Newcastle now moving closer to Lille’s demands, all the signs are pointing towards a transfer becoming increasingly realistic.
Why Newcastle Want Fernandez-Pardo
At just 21, Fernandez-Pardo would represent another exciting long-term addition to Matthias Jaissle’s Newcastle squad.
The Belgian can operate across the attack, including from the left and through the middle, giving Jaissle another versatile option alongside the attacking talent already at St James’ Park.
Fernandez-Pardo enjoyed a breakthrough 2025/26 campaign with Lille, scoring eight Ligue 1 goals and establishing himself as one of the most exciting young attackers in France.
His performances also earned him international recognition with Belgium and a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Another Huge Newcastle Signing?
Newcastle have already been extremely active during this summer’s rebuild, but Fernandez-Pardo could prove to be one of the most exciting additions of the lot.
There is still work to be done and, crucially, no completed agreement has yet been announced.
However, the language coming out of France on Sunday morning is considerably stronger than it has been previously.
Newcastle are no longer simply interested.
They are now reportedly close to an agreement.
With the transfer deadline rapidly approaching, this could be one to watch very closely over the next 48 hours.
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