Fernandez-Pardo signs! - Official announcement video, full details and first words
It's deadline day, and Newcastle United have just announced summer signing number eight.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo is officially a Mag, signing a long-term contract at St James' Park after flying in from Lille last night.
The club have paid £51m to land the Belgian international, who we first revealed Newcastle's interest in via a NUFC Blog exclusive back in May.
Fernandez-Pardo will wear the number 20 shirt and is in line to make his Newcastle debut in Saturday's 12.30pm kick-off at home to Bournemouth.
See the club's official announcement video below, followed by the player's first words since completing the switch.
Fernandez-Pardo delighted to sign
Speaking to the club's official website, Matias Fernandez-Pardo has revealed his delight and pride at completing a move to Newcastle United.
“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. 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."
A perfect fit for the Premier League
The Belgian star feels like the ideal fit for Premier League football and Matthias Jaissle's fast-paced style of play.
Fernandez-Pardo possesses rapid acceleration, is incredibly direct, a strong dribbler and physically capable at 6ft 2".
His versatility is also a huge asset. The attacker can play anywhere across the front line, being comfortable operating down either flank or in a central role, allowing him to play in three or four roles within Jaissle's 4-2-3-1 system.
Last season at Lille, he bagged eight goals and seven assists, and was part of Belgium's squad at this summer's World Cup.
