Newcastle United’s pursuit of Matias Fernandez-Pardo has reached a potentially decisive point, with the Magpies already preparing an alternative route should Lille continue refusing to compromise on its valuation.
Newcastle reportedly submitted a final €60 million (£51.5 million) offer for Fernandez-Pardo on Tuesday, but Lille is demanding at least €70 million (£60 million) for the 21-year-old.
With time running out before the Sept. 1 deadline, that difference has prompted the Magpies to revisit another
attacking midfielder already on their radar, and they might have already convinced the player to join them.
According to Foot Mercato’s Hanif Ben Berkane, Newcastle is advancing in a potential transfer for Stuttgart attacking midfielder and Morocco international Bilal El Khannouss.
“The Fernandez-Pardo deal, currently stalled, is pushing Newcastle to pursue another option already known to their management,” Ben Berkane reported. “The Magpies are now considering Bilal El Khannouss, whom they had already scouted at the start of the transfer window.”
According to The i Paper’s Mark Douglas, both Fernandez-Pardo and El Khannouss have already green-lighted their potential moves to Newcastle, in case the Magpies can agree to deals with their current clubs.
“Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo remains on Newcastle’s radar – even if sources counsel caution on it – and there have been talks with Stuttgart’s Bilal El Khannouss,” Douglas reported. “Both players are open to joining Newcastle, even if their clubs want big money.”
Stuttgart’s 22-year-old player offers something Newcastle has specifically prioritized during the final stages of its rebuild, as he comes with experience despite his young age. El Khannouss spent the 2024-25 campaign with Leicester City in the Premier League before moving to Stuttgart, and Foot Mercato reported that Newcastle believes his profile “perfectly fits the manager’s requirements.”
Perhaps more importantly, Stuttgart appears considerably more receptive to doing business than Lille. It’s been reported that Galatasaray recently offered €22 million (£19 million), not including bonuses, for El Khannouss, an offer Stuttgart rejected as the Bundesliga side is seeking a significantly larger fee, with the player’s market value approximated at €35 million.
El Khannouss initially wanted to remain in Germany and play Champions League soccer, but Stuttgart’s stance on his future has apparently caused him to reconsider his options.
“Having long desired to continue his adventure in Germany, particularly with the prospect of playing in the Champions League, El Khannouss is now open to a move,” Ben Berkane reported. “Stuttgart’s persistence has changed his stance, and a Premier League destination could be particularly appealing to him.”
Would you rather Newcastle pay the extra money required for Fernandez-Pardo or pivot to El Khannouss before deadline day? Let us know in the comments section below.
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