“He was our top target” - Ross Wilson and Jaissle react to £51m Fernandez-Pardo signing

Newcastle United have officially confirmed Matias Fernandez-Pardo as their eighth first-team signing of the summer.

The 21-year-old Belgium international has joined from Lille on a long-term contract and will wear the No 20 shirt. Newcastle have not disclosed the fee, although the deal is widely reported to be worth around £51m.

We covered Fernandez-Pardo’s announcement and first Newcastle interview, but Ross Wilson’s reaction contains a particularly interesting admission.

The sporting director says Fernandez-Pardo was Newcastle’s top target back in May, when NUFC Blog first revealed the club’s interest.

This may have been completed on deadline day, but it was not a panic move.

"He was our top target" - Ross Wilson

Speaking to the club's official website, Ross Wilson spoke glowingly about Matias Fernandez-Pardo, revealing that the Belgian has been a top target since May.

“Matias is a really important signing for us. As I said last week, we waited patiently on Nico González, and this time we've done the same – only longer.

“Matias is a strong example of how a transfer window can unfold with twists and turns along the way. Back in May, he was our top target and we always remained engaged with him. Now, at the end of the window, he becomes our eighth addition to a refreshed Newcastle United, and we are excited to welcome him.

“A lot of hours went into this one, but we're clear on our Newcastle United identity, and Matias, at 21 years old, has speed, intensity and work rate in abundance. We believe in his profile a great deal. Our fans will enjoy him, and I know he will also enjoy our amazing St. James' Park atmosphere.

"I'm confident that with Matthias Jaissle and our staff, he will strongly develop and continue to grow here in Newcastle."

Wilson’s reference to the long pursuit of Nico González makes Newcastle’s approach clearer.

The club were willing to wait for two specific players rather than quickly move down the list. That can be frustrating, especially once the season has started, but landing both makes the patience much easier to defend.

It also confirms that Fernandez-Pardo fits the new recruitment strategy almost perfectly: young, quick, versatile and with plenty of room to improve.

At a reported £51m, though, Newcastle are paying for more than future potential. He will be expected to help now.

Jaissle excited to sign 'explosive' Belgian

“I am very happy to welcome Matias to our club. We were all delighted when we knew we could complete this deal.

“Matias is a highly technical player with explosiveness in his game. He can score and assist, he has courage, and he has the ability to take players on. We’re sure our supporters will enjoy watching him play.

“He has already shown in Lille that he can perform on the big stage, and we will work closely with him to keep developing his game further. We are excited to see him in a Newcastle United shirt.”

Wilson talks about speed, intensity and work rate; Jaissle adds technique, direct running and end product.

Newcastle believe they have signed a forward who can play at pace, run at defenders and contribute both goals and assists from several positions.

Both men also mention development. That is fair for a 21-year-old, but the size of the fee will bring immediate expectations.

Still, this does not look like a random deadline-day punt. Fernandez-Pardo was the top target, Jaissle made him feel wanted and Newcastle kept the deal alive for months.

Now we get to see whether all those hours were worth it.