Newcastle sign Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo as Nick Woltemade exit nears

Newcastle United have signed Belgian forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from French club Lille, with the move coming as Nick Woltemade undergoes a medical at Juventus before his proposed transfer to the Italian side.

The Premier League club confirmed the arrival of the 21-year-old on Tuesday, although Newcastle did not disclose the transfer fee. Reports indicate the deal for Fernandez-Pardo was worth 60m euros.

Newcastle said on their official website: “We are delighted to announce the signing of Matias Fernandez-Pardo for an undisclosed transfer fee.”

Fernandez-Pardo has signed a contract lasting five seasons and will wear the number 20 shirt at St James’ Park. The Belgium international becomes the latest attacking option added to Newcastle’s squad as the club prepares for the expected departure of Germany forward Woltemade.

Woltemade is currently completing his medical examination with Juventus, with the checks taking place ahead of his move to the Serie A club. Newcastle’s decision to bring in Fernandez-Pardo therefore provides immediate reinforcement in attack while the German’s future is being finalised.

Standing 1.88m tall, Fernandez-Pardo can operate as a central striker or from the left wing. His ability to play in more than one attacking position was a significant feature of his profile as he made his way through Lille’s first team.

He leaves Lille after making 71 appearances for the club during his career. In those matches, he scored 12 goals and supplied 11 assists.

The forward had also attracted interest from Arsenal in recent months. According to media reports, Arsenal viewed Fernandez-Pardo as an alternative target should they be unable to complete a deal for Julian Alvarez, the Atletico de Madrid forward.

Newcastle have not provided a breakdown of the reported 60m-euro fee, and the club’s announcement confirmed only that the amount paid to Lille remained undisclosed. The five-season agreement means Fernandez-Pardo has committed his immediate future to the English club, where he will be expected to contribute both through the middle and from the left side of the attack.

His arrival is also closely linked to the anticipated change in Newcastle’s forward line. While Woltemade has yet to complete his move to Juventus, his medical represents a significant step towards the transfer, and Fernandez-Pardo’s signing suggests Newcastle are planning for the German’s departure.

For Lille, the transfer brings an end to the 21-year-old’s spell with the club after he established himself as a productive attacking player. His record of 12 goals and 11 assists in 71 appearances will now form the basis of his next challenge in English football.

Newcastle’s confirmation of the deal came without details of the fee, but the reported value places the Belgian among the club’s major attacking investments. Fernandez-Pardo will now begin his Newcastle career wearing number 20, with his versatility offering the team another option across the forward positions.