How Fabian Schar could be tempted to quit Newcastle ‘mid-season’
Fabian Schar could be set to leave Newcastle United when his contract expires next summer as he weighs up interest from European clubs.
Football Insider revealed on 21 November that Newcastle are advancing in contract talks with Schar and hope to keep him beyond the end of the season.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the offer of more regular playing time could tempt the 33-year-old to leave St James’ Park, with Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman the first-choice duo for Eddie Howe.
A number of Bundesliga clubs are believed to be interested in signing the centre-back and are keeping a close eye on his contract situation in the North East.
While the Magpies are extremely reluctant to lose Schar in the January transfer window, the possibility he could leave Newcastle on a free remains up in the air.
Fabian Schar could leave Newcastle
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 18 November that Schar could quit Newcastle in January should a reasonable offer arrive.
While a mid-season departure is considered unlikely, there is a growing belief that he could leave St James’ Park given his age and the level of interest in him.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Obviously Schar is out of contract at the end of the season and there is interest from overseas potentially on a free transfer.
“I think Eddie Howe ideally would like to keep hold of Fabian Schar. He definitely won’t want to lose him mid-season.
“Ideally Newcastle would like to keep hold of Fabian Schar, but a lot will depend on the player, whether he wants to stay or not.
“If he’s not playing regularly at this stage of his career, he could maybe be tempted in a move away in search of regular first team football.
“He started the first four games of the season, but obviously lost his place when he picked up that injury, then Malick Thiaw came in and he’s been outstanding alongside Sven Botman.”
Eddie Howe’s stance on Fabian Schar exit revealed
Football Insider revealed on 4 November that Newcastle are holding talks with Schar about his future and the possibility of a new deal.
Newcastle are keen to keep the 33-year-old beyond his current deal and are working to agree new terms as he remains a key part of Howe‘s squad.
The Switzerland international is in his eighth season on Tyneside, and his wealth of experience and knowledge of the club is seen as a valuable asset.
Despite suggestions he could be tempted into a move away, work on a new deal is ongoing, with the club currently planning for a future with him as a key part.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 26 October that sporting director Ross Wilson is accelerating contract talks at Newcastle to get key players tied down.
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