Manchester City and Manchester United have entered a competitive race to secure the signing of talented Lille attacker Matias Fernandez-Pardo, as reported by Sports.
The 21-year-old forward has drawn significant attention from elite European clubs following a breakout season in Ligue 1.
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His impressive domestic performances have earned him a selection in Belgium's squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The youngster will feature alongside established international stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku during the tournament.
National team selectors called up the forward due to his versatility across the front line and his explosive dribbling skills against defenders.
The attacker recorded eight goals and five assists in Ligue 1, driving Lille to a third-place finish behind Paris Saint-Germain and Lens.
Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport noted that Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona are also closely monitoring the Belgian prospect.
Serie A side Como previously pursued the attacker under manager Cesc Fabregas as they prepare for their first-ever UEFA Champions League campaign.
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However, Como prioritized Stade Rennais forward Esteban Lepaul, though intense competition from Benfica and Atletico Madrid complicated that pursuit.
A steep 30 million euro price tag discouraged Como, and Lepaul remains committed to Rennes for the 2026-2027 season.
Manchester City Future Strategy Under Maresca
Manchester City view Fernandez-Pardo as an appealing target led by incoming sporting director Hugo Viana.
As Enzo Maresca prepares to take charge of City following the departure of Pep Guardiola, the club wants to future-proof the squad.
The Premier League champions see the Lille forward as a budget-friendly alternative to Bournemouth attacker Eli Junior Kroupi.
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Bournemouth currently values Eli Junior Kroupi at a hefty 80 million pounds, making Fernandez-Pardo a highly cost-effective solution.
