Fernandez-Pardo ready for Newcastle debut, says Jaissle

Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle says new signing Mathias Fernandez-Pardo is ready to make an immediate impression after joining from Lille on Transfer Deadline Day.

The 19-year-old Belgian forward became Newcastle’s eighth signing of the European summer and could make his first appearance for the club when the Magpies host Bournemouth at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Newcastle go into the match seeking successive Premier League victories after Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa scored in the second half of last weekend’s 2-0 win at Tottenham.

Fernandez-Pardo has already caught Jaissle’s attention in training, with the Newcastle manager particularly impressed by the teenager’s pace and physical ability.

“For a young age, he is already showing a lot of strength on the pitch,” Jaissle said. “His physical levels are really strong for our idea of how we want to play football.

“That speed up front can cause many problems. He is versatile, which gives us the freedom to adjust from match to match.”

Although Fernandez-Pardo is fully fit and has trained alongside his new team-mates, Jaissle says Newcastle will manage his workload carefully. The forward has not completed a full 90 minutes for some time and must adjust to the demands of both training and Premier League football.

“He is fit and training with us,” the Newcastle boss said. “It has been a while since he played a full 90 minutes, so it is important for a young lad to adapt towards our intensity in training but also in the Premier League.

“We will have a close eye on him and be smart with the load management.”

Jaissle also expressed his satisfaction with Newcastle’s transfer business, saying the club had followed a clear strategy by targeting young players with considerable potential.

“I am happy. A great job from Ross (Wilson) and his team,” he said. “A clear idea with all of the signings, a young squad and signings with huge potential.

“That’s a brave way because it’s the way we want to go. We are aligned on everything. I am excited to work with the players.”

The manager also offered his best wishes to Nick Woltemade, who has moved to Juventus on loan for the 2026/27 season.

“I really appreciate Nick as a player, for his quality on the pitch, but I also appreciate him as a human being,” Jaissle said.

“He has decided now to take another challenge. Hopefully, it goes well. I’m really optimistic that he will shine there and score a lot of goals.”

Amar Dedic has made an impressive start since arriving at Newcastle, providing three assists in his first three games.

“Amar has been exceptional so far,” Jaissle said. “I’m really pleased with how fast he has adapted to the league, team and the playing style.

“He knows how I want to play football from our time in Salzburg. Amazing start, hopefully he can continue in the same way.”

Jaissle also praised Elanga and Wissa for their contributions at Tottenham, saying their goals were the reward for the work they have put in.

“We are really pleased that they have shined in the beginning of the season already,” he said. “They are working hard to get these rewards and we support them.”