Lille holds firm as Atlético's €35m bid meets wall at Lille

Lille have turned down Atlético Madrid’s €35 million offer for 21‑year‑old Belgian defender Matias Fernandez‑Pardo, leaving the French club’s price tag untouched as the summer transfer window opens. The player, who has already attracted interest from Liverpool and Bayern München, remains at Lille while negotiations continue.

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Bid details and market interest

Atlético Madrid put forward a €35 million bid for Fernandez‑Pardo, but Lille rejected the proposal outright. Liverpool and Bayern München are also monitoring the situation, although neither club has submitted a concrete offer yet.

Lille say they would only consider negotiations once the fee reaches roughly €70 million, a figure double the initial Atlético offer,

Performance and national team rise

Since joining Lille from KAA Gent for €11.5 million two years ago, the 21‑year‑old has appeared in 29 matches, scoring eight goals and providing five assists. His contributions earned him a place in the Belgian national team, the Red Devil side, and a spot in the squad for the World Cup 2026.

The French club views any future transfer as a significant financial boost, especially after the player's rapid development and growing reputation.

Potential alternative deal and future plans

Lille’s teammate Ayyoub Bouaddi is linked with Manchester City, which is reportedly ready to pay about €130 million for him. If that deal materialises, Lille’s urgency to sell Fernandez‑Pardo this summer would largely disappear.

Fernandez‑Pardo himself is not pressing for a move; he remains open to a transfer if an attractive project is presented and Lille agrees to the terms. Should no agreement be reached, he has no problem staying another season in northern France.