Fabian Schar’s new contract at risk after his Newcastle teammate’s heat map sparks twist
Fabian Schar may struggle to secure a new contract at Newcastle as the impressive Malick Thiaw continues to flourish under Eddie Howe.
Sources told Football Insider that Newcastle are set to open talks with Schar over a new deal with his current contract expiring at the end of the season.
The Swiss international is in his eighth campaign on Tyneside and Howe will be considering extending his loyal centre-back’s stay at St James’ Park.
However, another dazzling performance from summer signing Malick Thiaw in Newcastle’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in the Champions League on 5 November may put those talks on hold.
Thiaw delights for Newcastle as Eddie Howe finds new favourite
Newcastle signed Malick Thiaw in the summer from AC Milan and, after an initial slow start, the new man has begun to make a name for himself at St James’ Park.
The Germany international started his 11th match in a row in all competitions against the Spanish outfit in the Champions League, reflecting his importance to Howe.
The 24-year-old completed 68 of his 77 passes, which included 100 per cent accuracy from long balls, highlighting his precision when it comes to getting the Magpies up the pitch.
Moreover, as his heat map demonstrates, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, the ex-Schalke defender patrolled his defensive third, stopping Athletic Club’s attacks in their tracks.
Thiaw won 10 of his 12 duels during the 90 minutes, including five clearances, two blocked shots and five recoveries.
The number 12’s pace and agility was evident to see as he was able to quickly get back into position if the Toon lost possession.
Schar failed to start this match which, given the grandeur of the Champions League, indicates he may not be Howe’s preferred centre-back anymore.
Joel Ordonez pursuit to worry Schar even more as Newcastle exit seems likely
Thiaw’s dominance for the Toon will certainly play a key role in influencing whether the club want to extend the Swiss’ contract.
Yet, it also appears that the former Bournemouth manager is already preparing for a life without the 33-year-old.
Sources told Football Insider that Newcastle are monitoring the progress of Joel Ordonez at Club Brugge.
The 21-year-old has attracted the attention of Europe’s finest sides and has become a regular for the Belgian outfit.
The Magpies’ interest in the Ecuadorian only adds to Schar’s woes as a new contract could be slipping away, being replaced by youthful centre-back prodigies.
With the likes of Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Thiaw and potentially Ordonez, Howe has more than enough defensive coverage, suggesting the ex-Basel defender could leave the club next summer as a free agent.