Newcastle United is making one final attempt to add another major attacking piece to Matthias Jaissle’s rebuilt squad, with the Magpies significantly increasing their offer for one of their top targets.
The club had verbal negotiations with Lille for Matias Fernandez-Pardo, submitting an opening proposal worth around €40 million (£34 million) before bonuses.
L’Équipe’s Loïc Tanzi reported that Lille president Olivier Letang remained reluctant to sell despite the 21-year-old making clear that he wants
to leave, but Newcastle is apparently not taking no for an answer just yet.
Sky Belgium’s Sacha Tavolieri reported that the Magpies are preparing a final bid worth as much as €60 million (£51 million) including bonuses, representing a €20 million increase on the previously reported proposal.
“Newcastle United are set to make a final offer for Matias Fernandez-Pardo!” Tavolieri reported. “The Magpies are preparing to submit a final €60M bid including bonuses today to convince Lille. It’s now or never.”
The enormous increase puts the decision firmly in Lille’s hands, although it still does not quite reach the €70 million (£60 million) valuation TEAMtalk previously reported the Ligue 1 club had placed on Fernandez-Pardo.
That asking price had seemingly made a deal unlikely only 24 hours earlier. The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards reported that Newcastle had discussed signing Fernandez-Pardo but cautioned that “expectations are low it can be agreed.”
Newcastle’s latest move indicates the club is nevertheless willing to stretch significantly further than initially expected to test Lille’s resolve before walking away.
Fernandez-Pardo’s position could also work in Newcastle’s favor, as Tanzi reported that the Belgium international “remains steadfast” in wanting to leave Lille despite the French club qualifying for the Champions League. The problem might be the competition for his services, with Atlético Madrid and RB Leipzig also interested in the youngster and likely to be more appealing to the winger.
The versatile attacker scored eight goals and provided five assists in Ligue 1 last season and can operate across Jaissle’s attacking line, fitting Newcastle’s desire to add another flexible forward before the Sept. 1 deadline.
With a deal for Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez already agreed, Newcastle is now waiting to discover whether another substantial investment will finally convince Lille to release Fernandez-Pardo.
Will €60 million be enough to change Lille’s mind, or should Newcastle walk away if this final offer is rejected? Who would you target instead? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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