Newcastle United rounded off a busy summer in style with the £51million deadline day signing of Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille.
The Magpies identified the 21-year-old Belgian as a top target at the beginning of the summer but were told he wanted Champions League football. But last week that stance changed, and the Magpies have worked around the clock to secure a deal.
Fernandez-Pardo became United’s eighth signing of the summer after Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur, Aladji Bamba, Lukas Hornicek, Amar Dedic and Nico Gonzalez, taking the total summer spend to around £270million.
Newcastle have also raised £244million in player sales in a transitional summer that has seen Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes leave.
Nick Woltemade is also joined that list, though only on loan, after Fernandez-Pardo’s arrival paved the way for him to move to Juventus. The agreement is a straight loan, with no obligation or option to buy.
The 24-year-old’s departure comes just a year after he joined Newcastle for a club-record £69million from Stuttgart.
Now the transfer window is closed, here’s the strongest XI we think is available to Matthias Jaissle:
1. Newcastle United strongest XI after transfer window
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2. GK: Lukas Hornicek
Hornicek has made a promising start to life at Newcastle. Impressed on his debut against Liverpool and was a big part of the reason why the Magpies won at Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday night. | Getty Images
3. RB: Amar Dedic
The Bosnian looks to be a real find. Has assisted three goals in his opening three matches and also looked assured defensively. | Getty Images
4. CB: Malick Thiaw
Has done the armband proud in the absence of captain Dan Burn and vice-captain Joelinton. Formed a strong partnership with Sven Botman. | Getty Images