Newcastle United have completed the £51million signing of Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille.

Lille have faced backlash from their supporters after wishing Matias Fernandez-Pardo well following his £51million move to Newcastle United.

The Magpies have signed the 21-year-old Belgian on the back of a successful campaign in Ligue 1, scoring eight goals and providing five assists to help the French club finish third and qualify for the Champions League.

Fernandez-Pardo became a fans’ favourite, but his legacy now appears tarnished. Lille boss Davide Ancelotti revealed late last week that the forward had been removed from training and left out of the squad for the 2-2 draw against Paris Saint-Germain on Friday.

Lille's Belgian forward #07 Matias Fernandez-Pardo celebrates scoring Lille's third goal from the penalty spot during the French L1 football match between Lille LOSC and RC Lens at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on April 4, 2026. (Photo by Sameer Al-DOUMY / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

placeholder image — Lille's Belgian forward #07 Matias Fernandez-Pardo celebrates scoring Lille's third goal from the penalty spot during the French L1 football match between Lille LOSC and RC Lens at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on April 4, 2026. (Photo by Sameer Al-DOUMY / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

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"I have decided, in consultation with the club, that he will no longer train with the squad until the end of the transfer window,” the Italian said. "I am focusing on the players who are available for tomorrow’s match and who are training with us."

Reports circulated that Fernandez-Pardo had refused to play, but he appeared to hit back on social media, writing: “Very disappointed to see so many lies and false things circulating in the press. God is great. In time, the truth always ends up speaking for itself.”

Lille face backlash after Matias Fernandez-Pardo statement

Confirming the player’s move to St James’ Park, Lille wrote on X: “Lille confirms the transfer of Matias Fernandez-Pardo to Newcastle United FC. The Belgian international striker has signed with the Premier League club.

“Lille wishes Matias Fernandez-Pardo the best success in the Premier League under his new colors.”

And a lot of the replies were anger directed towards Fernandez-Pardo.

One supporter wrote: “Thanks for the cash, thanks for some of the matches, but no thanks for the mentality”, while another said: “He doesn't even deserve a press release like that. I don't wish him anything at all for what comes next. Just a good mercenary, nothing more.”

Newcastle identified the versatile attacker 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 the Magpies worked all hours to secure a deal.

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