Lille’s dynamic forward, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, has become a focal point in Newcastle United’s recruitment discussions as they gear up for the summer transfer window, sources have disclosed.
The 21-year-old sensation, versatile enough to operate across the front line or as an attacking midfielder, is being considered as a potential successor to Anthony Gordon. Gordon is anticipated to make a move to Bayern Munich.
Newcastle has been closely monitoring Fernandez-Pardo, and he has garnered admiration from within the club. Extensive scouting and data analysis have highlighted his tremendous potential, suggesting he could be a significant asset.
Pursuing Fernandez-Pardo is an ambitious endeavor, compounded by Lille securing a Champions League spot, even after a home defeat to Auxerre. This achievement may attract additional interest from other elite clubs in the competition.
However, Newcastle’s strategy to entice new talent includes presenting the Premier League as a stepping stone to greater opportunities. This was evident during their pursuit of AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit in January, whose aspirations reportedly include joining 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
While this approach might not sit well with all fans, it’s a pragmatic path for attracting budding talent. Players are drawn to clubs where they can grow and progress. In an era of stringent financial regulations, adopting a trading model is crucial. Thus, leveraging Gordon’s successful transition could serve as a powerful incentive to lure new prospects.
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.
