Jaissle Backs Fernandez-Pardo After Newcastle Move

On October 11, 2026, Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle backed 21-year-old Matias Fernandez-Pardo after the forward's £51m move from Lille, saying the Belgian attacker needs patience while adapting to the Premier League and a new role.

Fernandez-Pardo has started the season as a makeshift number nine because Will Osula remains injured. According to uk.sports.yahoo.com, the forward recorded an xG of 0.05 across his first three league appearances.

His pressing was a highlight in Newcastle's 2-1 win over Hull City before the international break. nufcblog.co.uk reported he completed 28 sprints in that match, the highest total among Premier League players that weekend.

Jaissle said Fernandez-Pardo offers more than defensive pressure and praised his attacking versatility. He described the forward as technically gifted and capable of playing multiple roles.

"In possession, he's running a lot of times in behind, we can use him as a link-up player, he's technically gifted, he can play on the wings and he's difficult to catch. I'm 100 per cent sure he will have a bright future with us." said Matthias Jaissle, Newcastle United manager.

Fernandez-Pardo joined Newcastle from Lille after scoring 12 goals in 71 Ligue 1 appearances. The club had targeted him as a major attacking addition before completing the transfer late in the summer window.

Jaissle also highlighted the limited preparation period Fernandez-Pardo experienced after arriving late and spending time with Belgium during the international break. The manager said the club will support the young forward as he develops.

"He's a young lad, a really young lad. It's part of the brave way, the brave journey we're taking here. He came here really late with almost no pre-season, now he's been three weeks with the national team but didn't play much or train much.

We need to give him time, we need to be patient with him. He's getting that. We will support him and we will get many great performances from him." said Matthias Jaissle, Newcastle United manager.

Newcastle's attacking setup remains unsettled while Osula recovers from an opening-day injury against Liverpool. Jaissle has also used Yoane Wissa behind the striker, where the DR Congo international has shown comfort in a deeper attacking position.