Lille president confirms Matias Fernandez-Pardo will not depart despite transfer request
Lille president addresses transfer speculation
Matias Fernandez-Pardo, the Lille forward, has reportedly expressed a desire to leave the club this summer, a decision he has been considering for approximately a year. This stance has not changed even with a recent change of agent. Several clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid, have been linked with an interest in the Belgian international.
Despite the reported interest and the player’s wish to move, Lille president Olivier Letang has taken a firm stance on Fernandez-Pardo’s future. Discussions reportedly took place between the player, his new representative, and Letang, where the club chief made his position clear.
Letang confirmed to L’Equipe that Fernandez-Pardo is under contract until 2029 and that his departure is not an option. He stated, “The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not an issue. We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him.”
Club plans for the upcoming season
Lille views Fernandez-Pardo as an integral part of their plans for the upcoming season. He is anticipated to be a key player for the French side, especially with fellow striker Hamza Igamane expected to be out until October due to an ACL injury sustained in the Africa Cup of Nations final in January. Fernandez-Pardo is wanted as cover in the No.9 position and will receive support from Olivier Giroud.
The club is also keen to retain the forward for their Champions League campaign. They believe that his performances in the tournament could enhance both his reputation and his market value. Fernandez-Pardo joined Lille from Gent two years ago for a fee of €10 million. In his 71 appearances for the club across all competitions, he has scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists.
Suggestions have also emerged that the Belgian and his new agent believe there is a release clause in his contract, which would facilitate a summer departure. However, Letang refuted this claim, stating, “He never had a release clause. Every player I told could leave has left. It’s the same old story as last summer, with yet another new agent.”
Impact on interested clubs
This firm stance from Lille suggests that Fernandez-Pardo will remain at the club for the coming season, meaning Liverpool and other interested clubs will likely be unable to secure his transfer. Liverpool, who are looking for attacking reinforcements following Mohamed Salah’s departure, have been heavily linked with forward moves this summer.
Yan Diomande is reportedly close to joining Real Madrid, while efforts are being made to sign Bradley Barcola. Liverpool are reportedly prepared to exceed their £125 million transfer record for Barcola. Andoni Iraola is reportedly keen on strengthening the attacking options at Anfield, with Barcola identified as a primary target.
Arsenal, who currently have Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus as recognized strikers, are reportedly focusing on bringing in a wider player, with Vinicius Jr emerging as a priority target. Chelsea could also be in the market for a forward if Nicolas Jackson departs, as he is a target for Aston Villa. The Lille president’s comments indicate Fernandez-Pardo will rejoin training next weekend.
Source: football365.com