Liverpool make calls for another winger as second Newcastle transfer hijack looms

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Liverpool have reportedly made enquiries around Lille winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo.A reputable source on X (formerly Twitter) now claims the Merseysiders made contact today.Newcastle United are understood to be keen on adding the Belgian international to their ranks this summer.Liverpool could hijack Newcastle move for Matias Fernandez-Pardo(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)It’s an interesting link to resurface so late in the window – and not just simply because Liverpool seem to be having little joy in extracting wide options from their Premier League rivals.Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustFernandez-Pardo isn’t simply a “wide option”, but also doubles up as a serious threat from a central position.Indeed, a quick look at his senior appearances for Gent and Lille clearly demonstrates as much.

LW CF RW 20 17 5 * Matias Fernandez-Pardo’s all-time appearances by position (Transfermarkt)Given that Liverpool clearly need cover for the striker position, it’s an option that could prove useful as Liverpool navigate life with Hugo Ekitike for much of the 2026/27 season.What does the data say about Fernandez-Pardo?(Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)It’s worth noting that the Belgian doesn’t exactly profile as a ruthless, reliable goalscorer – certainly not to the same extent as, say, an Alexander Isak.However, his stats in Ligue 1 indicate that he could be a perfectly viable option as a facilitator on the flanks for the Sweden international. Matias Fernandez-Pardo stats (per 90) Percentiles 0.27 non-penalty xG 39th 0.18 xA 91st 1.36 chances created 88th 0.19 big chances created 63rd 0.45 successful crosses 91st 1.36 successful dribbles 86th 6.96 touches in opposition box 92nd * Matias Fernandez-Pardo stats for Lille in Ligue 1 in 2025/26 (Fotmob)However, if we’re signing Ferandez-Pardo for the flanks – and primarily the left side – it doesn’t make sense unless we’re confident that the 21-year-old can be equally effective on the right.Not unless we’re planning on suddenly backing out of a deal with PSG for Bradley Barcola.