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Evening Standard

31 July 2026

Evening Standard

31 July 2026

The Belgian made a strong impression at his first major tournament this summer.

Liverpool have received a significant lift in their reported chase for Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

The Reds are looking to bring in a new winger following the departure of Mohamed Salah, who left Anfield on a free transfer after his contract came to an end.

He was then joined in leaving by Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, with the pair also departing on free transfers to join Tottenham and Real Madrid respectively.

Andoni Iraola, the new manager at the Merseyside club, made it clear in his first press conference as Liverpool boss that he wants to add a winger, and he has already signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna, though the Spaniard remains his only arrival so far.

Now, his focus has shifted to another wide player capable of operating on either flank.

RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande had been identified as the leading target, but Liverpool’s failed €100million offer was surpassed by Real Madrid, who now appear set to complete a move for the Ivorian.

As a result, attention then moved to Bradley Barcola, but Paris Saint-Germain have placed a £145m valuation on the French winger, who is believed to be unwilling to sign a new contract at the Parc des Princes.

That has left the Reds looking at Fernandez-Pardo, who plays for Lille, after the 21-year-old caught the eye for Belgium at this summer’s World Cup.

French publication L’Equipe has linked Liverpool with an interest in the player, while also reporting that Arsenal and Chelsea are keeping tabs on the youngster.

Fabrizio Romano has gone a step further, stating that the Belgian may leave Lille this summer, with several top clubs preparing offers for the winger, although club president Olivier Letang insists Fernandez-Pardo is not going anywhere.

“The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not a topic,” Letang said. “We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him.

“He never had a release clause. Every player I told could leave has left.

“It’s the same old story as last summer, with yet another new agent.”