Newcastle United's bid to sign Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo has stalled — and Manchester City are at the root of the problem, albeit unintentionally.

According to reports on the continent, the Magpies had been in advanced negotiations with the Ligue 1 club over a fee for the Belgian international. However, those talks have hit a wall following Manchester City's blockbuster purchase of teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

How the Bouaddi deal changed everything

Manchester City secured Bouaddi for £81 million, depositing a substantial sum directly into Lille's accounts and fundamentally transforming the French club's financial position.

Before the deal, Lille — like much of French football — were operating under pressure to balance their books. That financial strain had given Newcastle meaningful leverage: a structured deal for Fernandez-Pardo appeared within reach.

The Bouaddi windfall wiped that leverage away entirely. With their finances now in robust health, Lille have no pressing need to sell and have adopted a firm stance in negotiations, demanding a price that Newcastle are reportedly unwilling to meet.

The Magpies have reached a roadblock, and the club may now look elsewhere to strengthen their attacking options this summer.

Newcastle still dealing with Manchester City

Despite the Fernandez-Pardo setback, Newcastle and Manchester City remain involved in separate transfer business. The Magpies are finalising a reported £50 million deal to bring Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez to St. James' Park, a signing that would bolster the options available to head coach Matthias Jaissle in the centre of the pitch.