Newcastle United has signed Belgian forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille on a long-term contract, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.
“Newcastle United are delighted to announce the signing of Matias Fernandez-Pardo from LOSC Lille for an undisclosed fee. The 21-year-old Belgium international forward joins on a long-term contract and becomes the club’s eighth first team arrival of a transformative summer transfer window. He will wear the number 20 shirt,” said the club in an official statement.
According to reports, Newcastle has paid a fee of £51.4 million (USD 69.6 million) to sign the Belgian player.
Fernandez-Pardo made 71 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side after his move from Belgian club Gent in 2024. During his stint with Lille, he scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists.
Fernandez-Pardo has also represented Belgium five times. Former national team head coach Rudi Garcia played him in all three group-stage games during this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
Newcastle United head coach, Matthias Jaissle said, “I am very happy to welcome Matias to our club. We were all delighted when we knew we could complete this deal.
“Matias is a highly technical player with explosiveness in his game. He can score and assist, he has courage, and he has the ability to take players on. We’re sure our supporters will enjoy watching him play.
“He has already shown in Lille that he can perform on the big stage, and we will work closely with him to keep developing his game further. We are excited to see him in a Newcastle United shirt.”
Newcastle has also signed Ewen Jaouen, Sean Steur, Lukas Hornicek, Aladji Bamba, Amar Dedic, Bazoumana Touré and Nico González in the current transfer window following the departures of players such as Anthony Gordon, Kieran Trippier, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Matt Targett.
Jaissle’s side has begun the new Premier League season with a draw and a win. It hosts Bournemouth on Saturday.
Newcastle has also advanced to the third round of the League Cup.
Published on Sep 01, 2026
