Newcastle Close in on £55m Deal for Lille's Fernandez-Pardo

Newcastle United are in advanced talks to sign Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, with the Magpies prepared to pay around £55m for the 21-year-old. The Belgium international is expected to travel to Tyneside on Monday evening to complete a medical and finalise personal terms, according to sources close to the deal.

Fernandez-Pardo enjoyed a breakout campaign in Ligue 1 last season, scoring eight goals in 29 league appearances for Lille. His performances earned him a first senior call-up for Belgium, and he was part of their squad for the 2026 World Cup. The forward had initially switched his international allegiance to Spain but never made a competitive appearance for La Roja.

Newcastle view the signing as a major coup, comparable to the £50m arrival of Nico Gonzalez from Manchester City last week. The club has been active in the summer window, also bringing in Bazoumana Toure, Aladji Bamba, Amar Dedic, Lukas Hornicek, Sean Steur and Ewen Jaouen. The move for Fernandez-Pardo could pave the way for Nick Woltemade to leave on loan, with Juventus in talks over the German striker.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are considering a late move for Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy. Forest are in the market for forwards following Omari Hutchinson's departure to AC Milan. Newcastle have not received a formal approach, but interest from Forest and Everton earlier in the window is believed to have existed. The transfer deadline is fast approaching, and the Magpies are keen to finalise their squad.