2 Jun 2026 07:06 BST |
4 min read
Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who is valued at €70 million ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Reds are set for a major overhaul this summer and they have added Fernandez-Pardo to their list of transfer targets as they look to build a squad capable of fighting for major honours next season after ending the 2025-26 Premier League campaign in fifth place.
Mohamed Salah, Andrew Roberton and Ibrahima Konate will all leave Anfield on Bosman deals when their contracts expire at the end of June, while goalkeeper Alisson is keen to reunite with his former AS Roma boss Luciano Spalletti at Juventus.
It’s understood that a full agreement on personal terms has been reached with the Brazilian, and Juventus are eager to finalise a transfer fee with Liverpool amid their pursuit of a suitable replacement for current shot-stopper Michele Di Gregorio.
The Reds will also appoint a new manager this summer, with Arne Slot sacked last week and ex-Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola widely expected to be hired as his successor after leaving the Cherries upon the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign.
Liverpool spent €365 million on Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz last summer, in a bid to bolster their attack, however they are still in need of forward reinforcements due to the exit of Salah and Cody Gakpo’s dip in form last season.
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has been earmarked as one of their priority targets for the upcoming window, and the 2025 Premier League champions have now joined the race to sign Fernandez-Pardo, as per a report from French publication Foot Mercato.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo transfer battle
Fernandez-Pardo, who has been selected in the Belgium squad for the World Cup, scored eight goals and provided five assists in 29 Ligue 1 games last season, although he failed to find the back of the net in 11 Europa League appearances.
The 21-year-old started the campaign predominantly as a left winger, but he started Lille’s final 11 league matches of the season as their centre forward, scoring five times in the process.
He has since emerged onto the radar of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, according to Foot Mercato, and Lille have slapped a €70m asking price on his head as they anticipate a potential bidding war this summer.
Manchester City and Manchester United have also been linked with the Belgium international in recent weeks, with a move to the Premier League potentially set to be finalised before Transfer Deadline Day on 1 September.
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