Newcastle bring in €60m Nick Woltemade replacement as record signing axed

Updated: 31 Aug 2026 14:50 BST | 3 min read

Nick Woltemade, Newcastle, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

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Newcastle have agreed a deal to sign Lille sensation Matias Fernandez-Pardo in a move that will allow Nick Woltemade to join Juventus.

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The Magpies have had a busy summer transfer window, with several big names leaving the club, including manager Eddie Howe. What's more, after being repeatedly snubbed by high-profile players, Newcastle have changed their strategy in the market.

Instead of trying to replace the likes of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes with players of a similar calibre, the St. James' Park club have decided to bet on youth. All of Newcastle's seven signings this summer are under the age of 25, with four aged 20 or younger.

Current ETV

Matías Fernández-Pardo

F (C), M (L)

Lille

Matías Fernández-Pardo

F (C), M (L)

Lille

ETV Range

€23.5M - €28.7M

Their eighth new recruit will be no different. According to Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein of The Athletic, Newcastle have struck a deal with Lille for versatile forward Fernandez-Pardo, who has been pushing hard to leave the Ligue 1 side in recent weeks.

Lille were reluctant to sell, but a €60 million agreement has now been reached. The Belgium international will sign a five-year contract in the Northeast once he has completed his medical and all other formalities. He is due to arrive in Newcastle today.

Fernandez-Pardo in, Woltemade out

The arrival of Fernandez-Pardo will have major ramifications for the future of record signing Nick Woltemade. The 24-year-old only arrived at the club in a blockbuster last-minute deal in 2025, but somewhat predictably, it hasn't really worked out for him.

Although he hit the ground running at Newcastle, he was never an obvious fit for Howe's system last season and eventually lost his place in the side. There are similar concerns over his suitability to Matthias Jaissle's footballing philosophy.

As a result, Woltemade and Newcastle are looking to part ways. With a deal for Fernandez-Pardo wrapped up, it is believed that the Magpies will now sanction the departure of the Germany international.

Woltemade's most likely destination at this stage appears to be Juventus. He has reportedly already agreed terms with the Serie A giants and is waiting for the green light to travel to Italy.

Woltemade has also received approaches from other suitors. Borussia Dortmund are known to have tested the waters regarding a possible move several weeks ago, but nothing came of it.

If all goes to plan, Woltemade will depart Newcastle before tomorrow's deadline and be replaced by Fernandez-Pardo.