- Newcastle United are reported to have put forward a €40m package, not including bonuses, for Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo
- RB Leipzig have officially submitted a bid worth €35m plus add-ons for the 21-year-old Belgian
- Fernandez-Pardo is under contract with LOSC until 2029 but has informed the club that he wants to leave
Two Bids Place Lille Under Transfer Pressure
Matias Fernandez-Pardo has become the focus of a growing transfer contest, with Newcastle United and RB Leipzig both moving for the Lille forward. Newcastle United have submitted an offer worth €40m, without bonuses, as they try to bring the 21-year-old to England.
RB Leipzig have also entered the race in concrete fashion. Тhe Bundesliga club have officially made a bid worth €35m plus add-ons for Fernandez-Pardo during the weekend.
Atlético Madrid are also reportedly interested in the Belgian international, adding further competition for a player whose future at Lille has become increasingly uncertain.
🚨 NEWCASTLE A ENVOYÉ UNE OFFRE DE 40M€ HORS BONUS À LILLE POUR MATIAS FERNANDEZ-PARDO 🇧🇪 !!! 🖤🤍
Le joueur souhaite QUITTER LE LOSC.
🗞️ @lequipe pic.twitter.com/2zBdRko4eV
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) August 24, 2026
Fernandez-Pardo Wants to Leave Despite Champions League Prospect
Fernandez-Pardo is tied to LOSC until 2029, but he does not wish to continue with the northern French club, even though Lille can offer the prospect of Champions League football. He has already notified Lille of his desire to leave, but the club have told him he will not be allowed to depart this summer unless a hefty offer is received.
The situation remains delicate. Fernandez-Pardo does not want to enter into open conflict with the club, but he is reportedly less committed and has occasionally arrived late for training sessions.
LOSC chairman Olivier Létang does not want to sell the forward, particularly without first identifying a replacement.
Player Profile and Production
Fernandez-Pardo joined Lille from Gent in 2024 and offers tactical flexibility across the front line. He can operate as a centre-forward or as a winger on either side.
Last season, he made 41 appearances for Lille and was decisive on 15 occasions, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists. Across his Ligue 1 career, he has made 51 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists.
At international level, Fernandez-Pardo has represented Belgium after coming through the national youth teams. He has made five appearances for The Red Devils, with the first report also identifying him as a Belgian international with five caps.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Matias Fernandez-Pardo |
| Age | 21 |
| Club | LOSC Lille |
| Contract | Until 2029 |
| Joined Lille | From Gent in 2024 |
| Positions | Centre-forward or winger on either side |
| Newcastle United bid | €40m, not including bonuses |
| RB Leipzig bid | €35m plus add-ons |
| Other reported interest | Atlético Madrid |
| Last season for Lille | 41 appearances, 8 goals, 7 assists |
| Ligue 1 record | 51 appearances, 12 goals, 8 assists |
| Belgium senior appearances | 5 |
Leipzig Rebuild Their Attack After Major Sale
RB Leipzig appear to be strengthening their forward line, with Christopher Nkunku also set to return to the Bundesliga on loan with an option to buy.
The club have sold 19-year-old talented winger Yan Diomande to Real Madrid for €125m and are building their attack following that major deal. Leipzig will be hoping that these possible additions, together with new head coach Martín Demichelis, will enable them to challenge for a top-four finish.
