Manchester United’s pursuit of Matias Fernandez-Pardo is under threat after Liverpool stormed into the race for the 21-year-old forward, according to a new report.
A Versatile Threat
Fernandez-Pardo is quietly emerging as one of the “brightest prospects” in French football after an impressive season for LOSC Lille, helping his side finish third in Ligue 1. The Belgian, who is set to represent his country at the World Cup for the first time this month, is a versatile attacker capable of playing right across the frontline.
Operating primarily as a striker for Lille, he has also played on both wings and as a No.10, racking up eight goals and seven assists in all competitions.
He possesses the prototypical build of a modern forward, standing 6’2″ but retaining excellent mobility. This potent pairing of speed and size makes him a nightmare for defenders to contend with.
United are understood to be considering reinforcements in Michael Carrick’s forward line, with a more reliable No.9 and a left-winger both being targeted.
Fernandez-Pardo would kill two birds with one stone, offering depth out wide and an upgrade on the misfiring Joshua Zirkzee, who is likely to return to Serie A.
A report relayed by The Peoples Person claims United are eyeing a summer swoop for the Lille frontman, with competition from Manchester City and Newcastle United in England, while FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are also admirers.
Liverpool enter the fray
Foot Mercato now reveals Liverpool have joined the race for the Brussels native, with the Merseyside club hunting for more attacking threat after a disappointing campaign which ultimately cost Arne Slot his job.
Bayern Munich are also mentioned as another suitor. The Bundesliga champions have been “closely monitoring” the youngster’s progress since last summer.
The French outlet claims Fernandez-Pardo’s “outstanding performances” have led Lille to demand a “staggering sum of €70 million to open the door” for their “spectacular” talent’s exit this summer.
The player is understood to be “open” to joining a top club once the World Cup concludes, but he is “unlikely to force a departure at all costs”, the report concludes.
Final Thoughts
United would ideally prefer a more experienced forward to back up Benjamin Sesko than a 21-year-old yet to make his debut for his country. But the fact that Fernandez-Pardo has impressed Belgian boss Rudi Garcia sufficiently to include him for the World Cup confirms how highly rated he is, as does the growing interest from a long line of elite European sides.
Whether United will be able to sanction a €70m (£60m) raid to secure the Belgian’s signature before one of their rivals gets there first is far less certain. The prospect of a strong showing on football’s grandest stage in North America may hike his price even further as well.
Featured image Alessandro Sabattini via Getty Images
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