'Twists & turns' - Ross Wilson reveals Matias Fernandez-Pardo truth after £51m Newcastle United deal
Newcastle United rounded off a busy summer of incomings with the £51million arrival of Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille.
Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson says the signing of Matias Fernandez-Pardo highlights the ‘twists and turns’ of a transfer window.
The Magpies identified the 21-year-old Belgian as their top attacking target in May, but had to wait until deadline day to complete the deal. Back then, Fernandez-Pardo wanted Champions League football, but that stance changed last week, and United quickly jumped into action.
Newcastle struck a £51million agreement with Lille on Monday and Fernandez-Pardo landed on Tyneside later in the day to undergo his medical and put pen to paper on a long-term contract. He is the club’s most expensive summer signing, edging ahead of Nico Gonzalez, who joined for £50million from Manchester City.
“Matias is a really important signing for us,” said Wilson. “As I said last week, we waited patiently on Nico González, and this time we've done the same – only longer.
“Matias is a strong example of how a transfer window can unfold with twists and turns along the way. Back in May, he was our top target and we always remained engaged with him. Now, at the end of the window, he becomes our eighth addition to a refreshed Newcastle United, and we are excited to welcome him.
“A lot of hours went into this one, but we're clear on our Newcastle United identity, and Matias, at 21 years old, has speed, intensity and work rate in abundance. We believe in his profile a great deal. Our fans will enjoy him, and I know he will also enjoy our amazing St. James' Park atmosphere.
"I'm confident that with Matthias Jaissle and our staff, he will strongly develop and continue to grow here in Newcastle."
Newcastle have splashed out around £270million on eight new signings in what has been a summer of major change. They changed managers, replacing Jaissle with Howe in early August, as well as selling Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes for a combined £244million.
£69million club-record signing Nick Woltemade has also left the club, but only on loan, after Fernandez-Pardo’s arrival paved the way for the German to join Juventus.