Newcastle United Sign Matias Fernandez-Pardo

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Belgium international forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from French club Lille for an initial fee of £51.4m.

The 21-year-old attacker arrived on Tyneside on Monday night to undergo a medical examination and complete the formalities of his long-term contract with the Premier League club.

Fernandez-Pardo expressed his delight at joining Newcastle after holding talks with head coach Matthias Jaissle, saying the move represented an important step in his career.

The forward said he was “very proud to be at such a big club” and praised Jaissle for his role in convincing him to make the move.

“He really showed how much he wanted me to be here,” the Belgium international said.

“In terms of my own career progression, it made complete sense to come so I didn’t hesitate at all.

“I know the club, I know about the stadium, I know it’s a fantastic atmosphere. I’ve followed the team.

“I’m still young, I’m still hungry, and that’s why I’m here, and I want to make that progress with Newcastle. I can’t wait to start the wonderful adventure here.”

Fernandez-Pardo had been a long-term target for Newcastle, with the club’s interest in the player dating back to the tenure of former head coach Eddie Howe.

His arrival is also in line with Newcastle’s strategy of recruiting young players with the potential to develop into key members of the squad.

The forward was recently left out of Lille’s squad for their 2-2 draw against Paris St-Germain and was instructed to train separately from the first-team squad while discussions over his future continued.

His performances in France helped strengthen Newcastle’s interest. Among players aged 21 and under competing in Europe’s five major leagues last season, Fernandez-Pardo ranked second for big chances with 21, fifth for touches in the opposition box with 184 and fifth for shots on target with 30. He also ranked seventh for combined goals and assists, with 13.

His versatility across the frontline was another factor behind Newcastle’s decision to pursue the player as Jaissle sought to strengthen his attacking options.

Jaissle described Fernandez-Pardo as a technically gifted player capable of making an immediate impact.

“Matias is a highly technical player with explosiveness in his game,” Jaissle said. “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.”