Jaissle backs £51m Newcastle signing’s push to become No 9

Matias Fernandez-Pardo has told Newcastle United that he wants to be deployed as a No 9, and manager Matthias Jaissle has already signalled his approval. The 21‑year‑old Belgium international arrived in the summer for a reported £51 million fee, sparking debate over his best position.

Transfer details

Newcastle signed Fernandez-Pardo from Lille during the summer transfer window. The Premier League club paid Lille as much as £51 million for the forward, who can operate both as a striker and as a winger. His arrival adds a high‑profile Belgian talent to the squad.

Past record at Lille

At Lille last season Fernandez-Pardo made 41 appearances and scored eight goals. He finished the campaign primarily as a centre‑forward but spent much of the preceding months on the left wing. The season before he started only once as a striker in Ligue 1. He was also part of Belgium’s squad at the 2026 World Cup.

The report quotes the player: ‘Matias Fernandez-Pardo has told Newcastle he wants to start matches as a No 9 – and that is where they intend to play him.’ first broke the story of his desire to lead the line.

It added: ‘Now he is in the building, the plan to use him there remains unaltered.’ Jaissle’s response, according to the source, confirms the club’s intention to keep the striker role intact.

Jaissle, who replaced Eddie Howe as Newcastle manager in the summer, welcomed the request. The German‑born coach said he agreed to Fernandez‑Pardo’s demands, signalling confidence in the youngster’s ability to adapt to a central role. The information comes from a report by journalist Craig Hope.

The exact timing of his deployment remains to be decided, leaving fans awaiting the first‑team sheet. Meanwhile, the club’s recent deal has been described as a ‘hammer blow’ to Man Utd’s pursuit of Lewis Hall, highlighting Newcastle’s broader transfer ambitions.