MATIAS FERNANDEZ-PARDO is Newcastle’s new No20 after completing his £51MILLION move from Lille.
The forward, 21, jetted to Tyneside on Monday and passed a medical late last night before penning a five-year contract at Toon.
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The Belgian is in line to make his debut for Matthias Jaissle’s team at home to Bournemouth on Saturday after his move was confirmed on deadline day.
The deal completes a huge reset at St James’ Park following a major summer of change.
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Things looked grim for Newcastle after the exits of head coach Eddie Howe and the sales of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and captain Bruno Guimaraes.
However, Fernandez-Pardo is the EIGHTH new signing and his ability to play anywhere across the frontline made him new boss Jaissle’s top target to fill the void left by Gordon.
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Matias said: “I’m really, really happy to be here and very proud to be at such a big club.
“I spoke to the head coach and he really showed how much he wanted me to be here.
“In terms of my own career progression, it made complete sense to come so I didn’t hesitate at all.
“I know the club, I know about the stadium, I know it’s a fantastic atmosphere. I’ve followed the team.
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“What I’ve seen is a team that’s very ambitious, wants to attack, get forward, really chase teams and go after them, and that’s really something I want to take part in as well.
“I’m still young, I’m still hungry, and that’s why I’m here, and I want to make that progress with Newcastle.
“I can’t wait to start the wonderful adventure here.”
Newcastle United head coach, Matthias Jaissle, said: “I am very happy to welcome Matias to our club.
“We were all delighted when we knew we could complete this deal.
“Matias is a highly technical player with explosiveness in his game. He can score and assist, he has courage, and he has the ability to take players on.
“We’re sure our supporters will enjoy watching him play.
“He has already shown in Lille that he can perform on the big stage, and we will work closely with him to keep developing his game further.
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“We are excited to see him in a Newcastle United shirt.”
Sporting director Ross Wilson, who has led Newcastle’s overhaul this summer, said: “Matias is a really important signing for us.
“As I said last week, we waited patiently on Nico González, and this time we’ve done the same – only longer.
“Matias is a strong example of how a transfer window can unfold with twists and turns along the way.
“Back in May, he was our top target and we always remained engaged with him.
“Now, at the end of the window, he becomes our eighth addition to a refreshed Newcastle United, and we are excited to welcome him.
“A lot of hours went into this one, but we’re clear on our Newcastle United identity, and Matias, at 21 years old, has speed, intensity and work rate in abundance.
“We believe in his profile a great deal. Our fans will enjoy him, and I know he will also enjoy our amazing St James’ Park atmosphere.
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“I’m confident that with Matthias Jaissle and our staff, he will strongly develop and continue to grow here in Newcastle.”
Meanwhile, Fernandez-Pardo’s arrival gave Toon’s flop record signing Nick Woltemade the green light to join Juventus on loan.
The striker, 24, faded after a bright start with the Mags following his £69m arrival from Stuttgart 12 months ago.
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He will look to resurrect his career in Italy after the Serie A giants agreed to pay £3.5m and cover the giant German’s wages.
Though the loan deal does not include either an option or obligation for Juve to buy him permanently.