What Newcastle are now thinking about Fabian Schar’s future despite lack of game time

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TBR Football understands that a new deal for Newcastle veteran Fabian Schar could be on the cards – despite his lack of game time under Eddie Howe so far this season.

Schar joined Newcastle from Deportivo La Coruna back in 2018, and is now into his eighth season in the Premier League at St. James’ Park where he’s aged like fine wine.

Being a major part of their rise under Eddie Howe, the Swiss star only missed eight Premier League matches over the past three full seasons, seeing them qualify for the Champions League twice and scoring one of the goals of the season in the competition with Schar scoring a long-range strike vs current holders Paris Saint-Germain.

However, the emergence of Sven Botman and new signing Malick Thiaw has relegated him to the bench in recent weeks and his immediate future remains uncertain.

• READ MORE: Newcastle have just made a move which could see Anthony Elanga get even better

Exclusive: Fabian Schar’s new contract at Newcastle could still be in the works

With Fabian Schar out of contract at the end of the season, questions have been raised over the 86-cap star’s future if he isn’t getting appropriate minutes on the pitch.

Given that he will be 34 at the end of the season, it could be a real mistake from the Magpies if they were to let him go.

But TBR Football understands that a one-year extension on his signature is not out of the question after some fine displays in recent years.

Newcastle’s owners, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, have cash to burn and could afford some of the world’s best players if they wanted to.

But Premier League financial rules surrounding FFP and PSR mean that they can’t do that. Therefore, keeping veteran players such as Schar, Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier is equally as vital as new signings such as Nick Woltemade and Jacob Ramsey in terms of squad building.

TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Newcastle could look to address this after the turn of the year, once Schar’s outlook on his future has developed more. Bailey said: “Newcastle boss Eddie Howe holds Fabian Schar in huge regard.

“He has been an outstanding servant for him, likewise Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope. None are going to get lengthy extensions, but 12-month deals should not be discounted.

“With Newcastle and PSR problems, you can have twenty £50m players, but even if you can afford it, you are not allowed.

“So keeping players such as Schar, Trippier and Pope, who are international players with huge experience… Howe knows just how important these players are.

“This is an area we can expect Newcastle to assess in the New Year.”

Having made 236 appearances for the Magpies, Schar’s influence cannot be overstated and any move to keep him would be a smart one, even if only for a season.

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Newcastle could still benefit from Fabian Schar’s goal threat

Schar represents a style of centre-back that isn’t regularly seen in world football.

Throughout his career, the former Hoffenheim star has been a goal threat at all levels, including for Basel, where he made his breakthrough.

His numbers in front of goal have been insane throughout his career, especially in Switzerland, but even over the past few years for Newcastle, he’s produced magical moments.

Whilst Eddie Howe will be relying on Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon, Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga for their goals, Schar often pops up from the back to score, including long-range efforts.

He’s only failed to score in two seasons of his career – his debut campaign with Swiss second-tier side FC Wil, where he only made two appearances as an 18-year-old, and the 2016-17 season with Hoffenheim where he wasn’t preferred over other options such as Niklas Sule.

That could be worth its weight in gold by the end of the season if Newcastle are chasing the Champions League spots.