Striker makes transfer request after Liverpool ‘interest’ in move emerges
The Belgian forward seems keen to secure a move away from the French club this summer
Liverpool-linked forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo has made it clear that he want to leave Lille this season amid transfer interest in the player. The Reds are one of three clubs reported to be keeping an eye on the 21-year-old.
Liverpool are said to be facing competition from Arsenal, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid. The player is reportedly pushing for a move ahead of returning for international duty at the World Cup, where he represented Belgium in North America.
French outlet L’Equipe reports the Fernandez-Pardo has handed in a transfer request at Lille. However, the Ligue 1 club are taking a firm stance on his future and a possible sale.
A discussion between the player, his new representative and Lille president Oliver Letang allegedly took place on Tuesday. However, the club chief made his position abundantly clear.
He subsequently reinforced that stance in comments shared by L’Equipe. “The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not an issue,” he said.
“We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him.”
Fernandez-Pardo is anticipated to lead the line for the French side in the forthcoming campaign, with fellow striker Hamza Igamane still rehabilitating from an ACL injury sustained in the Africa Cup of Nations final back in January. He will receive backing from 40-year-old Olivier Giroud.
Lille are also understood to be eager to retain the forward for their Champions League campaign, with the club believing that his displays in the tournament could enhance both his reputation and his market value.
Fernandez-Pardo arrived at Lille from Gent in 2024 for a fee of €10 million (£8.6m) two years ago. Across his 71 outings for the club in all competitions, he has netted 12 goals and registered 11 assists.
It’s reported that the youngster has been mulling over a departure for nearly a year, but Letang delivered a clear statement.
“He never had a release clause,” he added. “Every player I told could leave has left. It’s the same old story as last summer, with yet another new agent.”
Liverpool currently have Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike as their two senior striking options, though the latter is recovering from a serious achilles injury. Andoni Iraola is keen on stregthening the attacking options at Anfield.
The club have Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola as their number one target. The Frenchman could come in as a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah.
