Newcastle to upgrade on Yoane Wissa by signing striker with 6.96 and 1.36 stats
Newcastle must look to complete a deal to sign Lille striker Matias Fernandez-Pardo as he is a clear statistical upgrade on Yoane Wissa.
Matthias Jaissle wants to add some quality to his Newcastle squad in the last week of the summer transfer window.
The Magpies started the new Premier League season well with a draw against Liverpool, but still seem short of options in several positions.
Lille forward Fernandez-Pardo has been on their radar throughout the summer, with new links to his services emerging in the last few days.
Recent reports have claimed that Newcastle are plotting to submit a bid worth £51million for his services this week.
They are not believed to be willing to offer a bigger fee to prise him away from the Ligue 1 club, but the stats show that they must go all out to complete a move.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo will offer Newcastle a different dimension compared to Yoane Wissa
Fernandez-Pardo properly broke into Lille's starting eleven last season as he registered eight goals and six assists in 41 appearances.
The versatile 21-year-old then earned a surprise spot in Belgium's World Cup squad and featured in three games off the bench at the tournament.
He clearly possesses real quality and can play across the front three, whereas Wissa is only a genuine option for Jaissle through the middle of the attack.
The DR Congo striker struggled to make his mark at St James' Park last season, scoring just three times in 28 games amid injury issues.
When their league stats from 2025-26 are compared, Fernandez-Pardo emerges on top in several key metrics.
These include shots on target per 90 (1.13 to 0.86), chances created per 90 (1.36 to 0.69), successful dribbles per 90 (1.36 to 0.17), duels won percentage (41.8% to 34.3%) and touches in the opposition box per 90 (6.96 to 6.39).
He was also a more accurate short passer than the Newcastle striker, and won possession in the final third more often than him per 90 minutes.
Newcastle to miss out on Christopher Nkunku transfer as Fernandez-Pardo switch eyed
Jaissle's desire for new arrivals by the end of the window has seen him hint at Newcastle looking to sign a new attacking midfielder.
Nick Woltemade and Joe Willock are battling for starts behind the striker as it stands, but they may now have shifted a focus to adding a new centre-forward to his ranks.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Newcastle are unlikely to agree a deal with AC Milan for Nkunku after initially registering their interest in his services.
His former club, RB Leipzig, are instead closing in on a move as the Magpies look at other attacking targets.