Newcastle United have signed ahead Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille for an initial £51.4m.
Fernandez-Pardo flew into Tyneside on Monday evening to have a medical and signal a long-term contract.
The 21-year-old mentioned he was “very proud to be at such a big club” following talks with head coach Matthias Jaissle.
“He really showed how much he wanted me to be here,” the Belgium worldwide mentioned.
“In terms of my own career progression, it made complete sense to come so I didn’t hesitate at all.
“I do know the membership, I do know in regards to the stadium, I do know it is a unbelievable ambiance. I’ve adopted the workforce.
“I’m nonetheless younger, I’m nonetheless hungry, and that is why I’m right here, and I need to make that progress with Newcastle. I am unable to wait to start out the great journey right here.”
Fernandez-Pardo was overlooked of Lille’s squad for the 2-2 draw in opposition to Paris St-Germain final week and ordered to coach away from the first-team squad till his future was resolved.
The ahead has been a long-standing goal of Newcastle‘s – relationship again to former head coach Eddie Howe’s time in cost – and suits the age vary the membership have been focusing on.
Of these gamers aged 21 and beneath throughout Europe’s huge 5 leagues final season, Fernandez-Pardo ranked second for huge possibilities (21), fifth for touches within the opposition field (184) and pictures heading in the right direction (30), and seventh for objectives and assists mixed (13).
His capability to play in a variety of positions throughout the frontline additionally made him a sexy goal as Jaissle regarded to strengthen his squad.
“Matias is a highly technical player with explosiveness in his game,” Jaissle mentioned. “He can score and assist, he has courage, and he has the ability to take players on.
“We’re certain our supporters will get pleasure from watching him play. He has already proven in Lille that he can carry out on the massive stage, and we are going to work intently with him to maintain growing his sport additional.
“We are excited to see him in a Newcastle United shirt.”