Fernandez-Pardo makes first Newcastle start against Leeds

Matias Fernandez-Pardo earned his first Premier League start for Newcastle United on September 14, 2026, slotting into the lineup for a match against Leeds United. The 21-year-old Belgian forward, who arrived from Lille just two weeks ago, graduated from substitute cameos to a starting role faster than most newcomers manage to find the canteen. Newcastle paid an initial £51.4 million for Fernandez-Pardo on September 1, a deal that could climb further with add-ons. That price tag, roughly €60 million, made him one of the more expensive signings of the summer window. From bench cameo to starting XI Fernandez-Pardo’s Newcastle career began with a 27-minute substitute appearance in a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. Manager Matthias Jaissle saw enough in that outing, combined with a full week of training, to hand the Belgian his first start against Leeds. Jaissle has spoken publicly about the importance of managing Fernandez-Pardo’s workload carefully. The Newcastle boss has pointed to Fernandez-Pardo’s technical quality and adaptability as reasons for optimism. The starting lineup against Leeds featured Hornicek in goal, with Dedic and Thiaw among the defenders. Who is Fernandez-Pardo? B...