Newcastle United confirm permanent Federico Fernandez departure to La Liga club

Federico Fernandez has left Newcastle United and joined La Liga side Elche CF on a permanent basis.

The Argentine joined from Swansea City in 2018 and went on to make 89 appearances for the Magpies.

The 33-year-old struggled with injuries last season - restricting him to just two appearances under Eddie Howe.

Nevertheless, Fernandez remained a popular figure and positive influence behind the scenes, with Howe always speaking highly of the defender.

The arrivals of Dan Burn and Sven Botman in the last eight months has, from a playing point of view, pushed Fernandez further down the pecking order.

The former Napoli defender was an unused substitute in last week’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers, though has not appeared in a Premier League matchday squad this season.

Early reports today suggested Fernandez would join Elche on loan, however Newcastle have confirmed it is indeed a permanent exit.

A club statement by the Magpies read: “Fernandez departs with the best wishes of everybody at Newcastle United and the club thanks him for his service.”

Fernandez, who was out-of-contract at the end of the season, joins the long list of senior players to leave St James’ Park this summer after Isaac Hayden, Freddie Woodman, Jeff Hendrick, Ciaran Clark, Dwight Gayle and Martin Dubravka.