Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo has featured heavily in Newcastle’s recruitment conversations ahead of the summer, Confidential can reveal.
The exciting 21-year-old, who can play across the front three or as a No 10, has been talked about as a potential replacement for Anthony Gordon, who is expected to join Bayern Munich.
Fernandez-Pardo is well known to Newcastle and, we are told, is universally liked by those on the inside. He has been watched and his data analysed, with everything pointing towards a player with an extremely high ceiling.
He has scored eight times from 40 appearances for Lille this season and his form has been rewarded with inclusion in Belgium’s World Cup squad. He is also eligible to represent Spain and Italy but declared his allegiance to Belgium earlier this month, though he is yet to be capped at senior level.
Fernandez-Pardo is an ambitious target – and Lille qualifying for the Champions League at the weekend, despite losing their last game at home to Auxerre, does not aid Newcastle’s cause. He will also have interest from other clubs in the Champions League.
However, we understand that part of the club’s sales pitch to prospective signings this summer is offering them a pathway into the Premier League and beyond, even if Newcastle is not their final destination. This was the hope when it came to a January move for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, whose long-term goal is said to be Real Madrid.
Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo has featured heavily in Newcastle’s recruitment conversations ahead of the summer
Fernandez-Pardo has scored eight times from 40 appearances for Lille this season and his form has been rewarded with inclusion in Belgium’s World Cup squad
It is not something supporters may be happy to hear, but players of potential are more likely to join a club if they know it can be a platform for development and progression. And, in a world of financial rules and restrictions, a trading model is absolutely essential to growth. That is why the sale of Gordon, and the example of his journey, could yet be used as a means to attract others.
Why Tonali’s Toon time isn’t over
Sandro Tonali’s hopes of securing a move out of Newcastle United this summer will be heavily influenced by… Elliot Anderson.
There is a feeling in Premier League circles, among agents and recruitment chiefs, that Anderson is ahead of Tonali on the wish list of both Manchester City and Manchester United. Only when, and if, Anderson leaves Nottingham Forest will the futures of other midfielders with aspirations of a summer transfer fall into place.
Interestingly, sources have told Confidential in recent days that Tonali leaving Newcastle is far from guaranteed, in part because of a drop-off in form that means the numbers involved in a transfer are harder to justify for a buying club.
The Italian is already very well paid on Tyneside and, with a contract until 2030, Newcastle hold all the cards when it comes to negotiations with a would-be buyer. That is not to say they would stand in the way of any player who expressed a strong desire to leave, but the deal would have to be right for the club first.
The question asked of late is whether any club would be willing to pay upwards of £80million for Tonali and offer a significant increase on his salary. That is why future planning conversations inside Newcastle have included the 26-year-old.
Indeed, we can reveal that Tonali was part of the photo shoot for Newcastle’s new pink/lilac change kit ahead of next season. Others, such as Anthony Gordon, were not involved.
It is also said that Tonali has been super professional and not a moment’s trouble for staff or team-mates, despite an understanding that he and his camp would be open a move.
Tino Livramento is another who could find his options reduced given form and reduced availability because of injury. He, though, has only two years to run on his contract, and is in a stronger position than the likes of Tonali should he seek an exit.
Sandro Tonali’s hopes of securing a move out of Newcastle United this summer will be heavily influenced by Elliot Anderson
PIF pile in more cash – and the truth about selling a stake
A cash injection into the club from the Public Investment Fund is set to be revealed on Companies House, Confidential understands, and this money will be used to help fund the purchase of the Leazes Terrace buildings adjacent to St James’ Park.
Sources say the continued injection of capital demonstrates PIF’s commitment, and they insist that talk this week of selling a stake in Newcastle was not instigated by them. Rather, it was an idea proposed by those close to institutional investors.
If it did happen, say sources, it would only be a minority share with a view to raising funds towards infrastructural projects such as a new stadium and training ground. We are told any new investor would be very unlikely to have a major say in the running of the club.
It also allows the ownership to quantify the club’s value. For example, a 10 per cent stake for £150m would value Newcastle at £1.5billion, five times its purchase price. Crucially, that puts the club in a position of strength with regards lending, as well as influencing sponsorship and commercial deals.
In 2019, Manchester City announced that Silver Lake, an American private equity firm, had made a $500m (£373.2m) investment into the City Football Group. This equated to an 18 per cent stake. Sources have pointed to this – but not the numbers involved – as an example of the practice being common when it comes to global business with global revenues.
It has been stressed that PIF are not looking to dilute their share to any significant level and the prospect of new equity investors does not mean they are looking to withdraw long term. On the contrary, sources believes it shows an ambition to deliver on key developments that will aid success on the pitch.
Meanwhile, the acquisition of Leazes Terrace was first floated inside the club at the outset of Saudi ownership. To have control of those buildings, given they are the nearest residential addresses to St James’ Park and the proposed site of a new stadium on Leazes Park, is seen as a ‘no brainer’. Ownership of them gives the club greater flexibility and strategic positioning no matter which stadium option they pursue – be it a new build or expansion of St James’.
Were it a new build, the longstanding plan for the site of St James’ has been parkland. However, one piece of information into Confidential this week is that the club have explored using the land in addition for bars, restaurants and retail options. If so, ownership of Leazes Terrace would be key.
Leazes Park, the site of the proposed newbuild stadium – Newcastle will need to buy Leazes Terrace too if they want to use the land for bars, restaurants and shops
On tour to… Gateshead
Newcastle’s pre-season plans are taking shape, with a friendly over the water at Gateshead in the pipeline.
The National League club have provided opposition in recent years, be it for the senior side or Under 21s. We understand a first-team game is in the offing.
So, too, is a friendly against Everton at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, while a match at the La Manga training camp in Murcia in July is yet to be finalised, be it behind closed doors or in a stadium open to the public.
Gateshead have been regular pre-season opponents in seasons past, with Allan Saint-Maximin lighting up the International Stadium in July 2023
Why Thiaw is quids in
The squad’s bonus payments will be finalised after this weekend’s game at Fulham, and we can reveal the system that will see the pool shared.
Players are awarded points based on appearances – three for starting a match, two for coming on as a substitute and one for being an unused sub. The pot is then divided proportionally based on the number of points each player has. This season, it is set to be Malick Thiaw who edges out Sandro Tonali as the top earner.
Ramsdale’s final farewell
Finally, a little bit of housekeeping on the goalkeeping front. We revealed a few weeks back that John Ruddy will leave the club, and we understand Sunday will also mark the last match of Aaron Ramsdale’s time at Newcastle.
He will return to Southampton after a season-long loan spell, with the permanent option in the deal not taken up by Newcastle. Meanwhile, Mark Gillespie is set to stay at the club and continue in his role as back-up/training goalkeeper.
