Image for Liverpool handed green light for £60m attacker after shock refusal to play
Image for Liverpool handed green light for £60m attacker after shock refusal to play
Liverpool could complete multiple attacking signings before the summer transfer window slams shut. The Reds have been reliably linked with Yankuba Minteh, Bradley Barcola, and Ibrahim Mbaye, though they face a race against time to get deals over the line.
Earlier this summer, Liverpool were credited with an interest in Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who has also attracted attention from a host of rival clubs across the continent. Now, the Belgian attacker has taken drastic measures to force a transfer away from France.
Valued at €70m, Fernandez-Pardo hasn’t featured for LOSC Lille in recent pre-season fixtures after officially asking to leave. Liverpool’s interest remains well documented as he can operate across the frontline, but Atletico Madrid have made the first concrete push to secure his signature.
According to Sebastien Denis of Foot Mercato, the forward has refused to play in Lille’s upcoming Ligue 1 clash against Angers. His entourage has demanded a direct meeting with management to request an immediate departure.
“After Matias Fernandez-Pardo refused to play the last match, his entourage demanded a meeting with management to demand a departure.
“Despite the player’s attitude and an offer of over 40 M€ from Atlético de Madrid, LOSC’s response remains the same: no clearance will be granted to him this summer unless it’s a truly crazy offer.”
? EXCL ??? #LOSC ??|
?? Après que Matias Fernandez-Pardo a refusé de jouer le dernier match, son entourage a réclamé une réunion avec la direction pour exiger un départ
? Malgré l'attitude du joueur et une offre de plus de 40 M€ de l'Atlético de Madrid, la réponse du LOSC… pic.twitter.com/AXwdIjcemm
— Sébastien Denis (@sebnonda) August 20, 2026
Liverpool have not submitted an official bid at this stage. However, should top priority targets become unviable before the deadline, Anfield key figures could pivot toward Fernandez-Pardo as a concrete alternative.
Anfield recruitment strategy and winger search
Liverpool’s desire to bolster their flank options remains a key theme of the summer window. Having already secured Victor Munoz from Osasuna, the priority remains adding dynamic depth capable of playing off either wing.
The Reds previously explored a move for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, but a package exceeding €100m saw Real Madrid move to the front of the queue for the Ivorian. Attention subsequently turned to PSG’s Bradley Barcola, but the French champions steep £145m valuation presents a major hurdle, despite suggestions the Frenchman is reluctant to extend his contract at the Parc des Princes.
That context keeps Fernandez-Pardo under consideration, particularly after his impressive displays for Belgium at this summer’s World Cup.
L’Equipe report that Arsenal and Chelsea are also tracking the youngster, while Fabrizio Romano notes that multiple elite clubs are readying bids should the door open.
Lille stand firm over €70m valuation
Despite reports from L’Equipe confirming a formal transfer request has been submitted, the French club maintain a stubborn stance regarding a sale. Lille view the upcoming Champions League campaign as a major platform to showcase the forward, believing high-level European performances will only drive his market value higher.
Fernandez-Pardo arrived from Gent in 2024 for €10m (£8.6m) and has registered 12 goals and 11 assists across 71 appearances. While the player has contemplated a new challenge for nearly a year, club president Olivier Létang publicly dismissed suggestions of an easy exit.
Addressing the speculation, Létang said:
“The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not a topic. 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.”
With senior striking options featuring Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike who continues his recovery from a serious Achilles injury Liverpool’s focus remains on finding the right tactical fit at the right price point before the window closes.