Fabian Schar would be £3 million bargain for Newcastle United

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Newcastle United are considering a move for Deportivo La Coruna centre-back Fabian Schar, according to the Chronicle. The Swiss international wants to move away from the Spanish club after their relegation last season and his release clause is set at £3 million. For a player with experience in both La Liga and the Bundesliga, that would be a bargain.

Rafa Benitez has endured yet another frustrating summer, as he hasn’t been given the backing from Mike Ashley financially. He continues to push hard against his own board, but at the time of writing, he has failed to get what he wants in the transfer window.

Throughout his tenure as owner, Ashley has looked to operate on the cheap and he now has a manager that is able to do it effectively. Benitez is excellent at scouring Europe for good players at low cost and the links to Schar are another example of that.

The 26-year-old has played for FC Basel, Hoffenheim and Deportivo, while he has over 40 caps for his country. This is an experienced player at the top of European football and he would be a very shrewd addition for Newcastle at the rumoured price.

Although Benitez can thrive on a low budget, the Spaniard will be unhappy at the lack of ambition being shown by the board. It is clear to him that Newcastle can once again challenge in the top half of the Premier League, but the unwillingness to spend the money required will frustrate the world-class coach.

 “I’m a defender looking for risk now and then with a dribble or pass through the middle. Risk is good, but only at the right time. I had to learn to play dirty and hit the ball in the stands. As a defender it is not about winning a beauty award, but the primary goal is to prevent goals.”

– Fabian Schar on his playing style.

It is thought that Benitez is too loyal to the fan-base to break his current contract with Newcastle and it is likely that he will remain at the club for the coming season. This is why he is working around the clock to give himself the best squad possible.

Schar has always been considered as a talent across Europe, with Mundo Deportivo once reporting that he had been on Barcelona’s radar since 2014. He didn’t make the move to the Nou Camp, but he was once a target of theirs. That underlines the quality that he possesses and why Newcastle are interested in his services.

Last season in La Liga, he averaged 1.8 successful aerial duels, 4.2 recoveries and 5.6 clearances per game. Deportivo weren’t the best at the back, but Schar showed that he could compete well at that level and came out of the season with credit. His disciplinary record of ten yellows is a worry, but they are more common in Spain.

As a defender, Schar reads the game well and he is robust in the tackle when needed. However, he emerged on Barcelona’s radar due to his ability on the ball. He is able to step out of defence with the ball at his feet and distribute effectively to put his team on the front foot. Last season, he completed 80.2% of his passes in a poor team.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future for Benitez and Newcastle. It is looking set to be another summer of frustration and discontent for the Spanish manager, who must be coming close to losing his patience with Mike Ashley. He would have wanted more backing, but Schar would represent another piece of excellent business for the manager.