According to journalist Graeme Bailey (via Geordie Boot Boys), Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar wants to extend his stay but on his terms.
Newcastle United appear to be back on form after a wobble already this season in the Premier League and Eddie Howe will be feeling relieved going into the international break.
The Magpies went five league games without a win, but found their confidence and resilience in a fantastic display against Arsenal at St James’ Park earlier this month, quickly followed by another inspiring performance away to Nottingham Forest last week.
Their back-to-back victories have seen them get back on track in their ambitions to secure European football for next season, and are currently just one point shy of the wide-open top-four race.
An opportunity to add depth, quality and consistency into the squad is rapidly approaching as the January transfer window will open in a matter of weeks, and after a disappointing summer of business there will be high expectations for Paul Mitchell to make at least one quality signing to bolster the first team.
But it is not only incomings that will be on the mind of the Newcastle hierarchy, as there are a number of long-standing players out of contract in the summer of 2025.
Emile Krafth, Callum Wilson, Martin Dubravka, Sean Longstaff, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles have all become stalwarts at the club and were all part of the squad before Howe’s arrival on Tyneside.
Transfer journalist Graeme Bailey has been speaking out about one particular player’s future and the demands that will be expected to meet for him to remain in the North East next summer.
Speaking to the Geordie Boot Boys about Swiss centre-back Schar, Bailey claimed:
“I think he wants a multi-year deal,” he said.
“When you say multi-year, it always sounds like four or five years. But it just means more than one.
“He’s been Newcastle’s best defender in the last 18 months, and why wouldn’t Newcastle offer him at least a two-year deal?
“I think it will get done. I can’t think why Newcastle would only offer him a one-year extension. The fact he’s given up international football as well, he’s got two or three years left in him.”
Will Newcastle give Fabian Schar a new contract?
There is no doubt that Schar has become a popular player and fan favourite at Newcastle, his centre-back partnership with Botman has been one of the most formidable in the top flight during Howe’s tenure.
The 32-year-old – dubbed the “ultimate professional” by the Newcastle manager – has not only been a solid defender that has the trust of both the manager and the supporters, but has scored some incredible and unforgettable goals outside of the box in his time on Tyneside.
However, it was clear that the club had strong intentions to find his successor during the summer transfer window with a highly publicised pursuit to acquire the services of Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi, one that was unsuccessful.
As a result, it is clear the club is preparing for a life without Schar and are keen to find a worthy partner for Botman when he returns from his ACL recovery, but there is no reason why the Switzerland native can’t be extremely valuable to the Geordies over the next two seasons ahead.
If he was to sign a two year deal it would give Howe the opportunity to slowly integrate his successor, and takes the pressure off finding an immediate solution to a slow growing concern as long as Schar can maintain his performances at the high level he has over the last two years.
With that being said, this contract situation will be one to watch for Newcastle fans and it will be interesting to see just how much the club is prioritising finding his replacement when the transfer market reopens in the new year.
