Matias Fernandez-Pardo faces £70m challenge as Newcastle United feelings made clear
Matias Fernandez-Pardo will rival Yoane Wissa and Will Osula for the No.9 position at Newcastle United.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo has reportedly told Newcastle United chiefs that he wants to play as a striker.
A versatile forward, the Belgian international is still chasing his fitness levels while settling in at St James’ Park. Fernandez-Pardo had not kicked a ball since June before making his Toon debut against Bournemouth last weekend.
He is someone the Magpies chased earlier in the window but a move appeared unlikely. It is understood that Fernandez-Pardo hoped for a Champions League club to present an opportunity.
When that did not materialise, Newcastle became a live option, with a deadline-day move for £51million wrapping up the summer business. The 21-year-old has shown glimpses of more to come in his two cameo appearances so far - including a hand for Joe Willock’s winner against Millwall.
The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo preferred position
Fernandez-Pardo is capable of playing as a striker, on either flank or as a No.10. Toon chiefs had identified the former Lille man as a potential successor to Anthony Gordon, who joined Barcelona early in the window.
The Daily Mail report that Fernandez-Pardo - who scored eight goals last season - is keen to play as a No.9. It is claimed that discussions around where he would be used were key in transfer negotiations.
For now, Fernandez-Pardo’s biggest hurdle to starting games is fitness. Newcastle will hope to have their new recruit up to speed in the coming weeks.
Will Osula conundrum
However, he will have a fight on his hands for the starting jersey up front. Will Osula is set to return from a foot injury following the upcoming international break.
Yoane Wissa has also enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign and opened his 2025-26 account against Tottenham Hotspur last week. When everyone is fit, Matthias Jaissle could use the 30-year-old in the No.10 role, but he is expected to lead the line on Monday.
Matthias Jaissle on Matias Fernandez-Pardo
Jaissle urged caution on Fernandez-Pardo following the Millwall win due to his limited pre-season. He told reporters: "We need to be careful with such a young player who didn't play for a long time over 90 minutes.
"So therefore we see him almost like in a pre-season at the moment. We take that slowly and step by step. And then if there's time to start, we will start with him."
Your next Newcastle United read: Leeds United drop big team news hint for Newcastle United clash after Chelsea chaos