By Rosemary Ugiomoh
Man United tracking Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo to upgrade their frontline
A left-sided forward is seen as a priority fix for the squad before the 2026/27 season kicks off, and the 21-year-old Belgian has now popped up on their radar.
Described as “explosive”, Fernandez-Pardo is tipped to exit Lille this summer following a breakout season in Ligue 1. He chipped in with 8 goals and 6 assists in 40 games across all competitions for the French club.
Newcastle have also earmarked the Belgian as a prime replacement for Anthony Gordon, who’s moved to Barcelona for £70m. But United are believed to be in the mix too for the dynamic wide man.
Lille need cash this summer and Fernandez-Pardo is one of their most marketable assets. He’s reportedly valued at around €50m/£43.2m, yet United may still splash that fee to bring in competition on the flanks for Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Patrick Dorgu.
Man City are also keeping tabs on the 21-year-old. His flexibility is a major draw – he can operate anywhere across the attack, both out wide and centrally.
Fernandez-Pardo is in Belgium’s World Cup squad this summer, and Lille will be banking on him delivering standout displays to push his valuation higher.
Michael Carrick flagged left wing as an area United needed to improve months ago. Now in charge full-time, he’s expected to make it top of his transfer list.
The Lille star looks like a smart profile for United – young with huge upside, but already tested at a high level and producing numbers that show he’s ready for the step up.
At a fee likely close to €50m, it could end up being shrewd business compared to current market rates. He’d give United a direct boost in a wide role that badly needs reinforcement heading into next season.
