Newcastle could ‘accept’ Fabian Schar offer and sign exciting replacement
Newcastle United will make a final decision about the future of Fabian Schar in January as he approaches the end of his contract.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 33-year-old could be allowed to leave despite discussing a new contract.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Newcastle are holding contract talks with Schar as they have been keen to extend his stay at the club.
However, given his age and the level of interest in him, there is a growing belief that he could leave St James’ Park and allow Eddie Howe to refresh his back line.
Malick Thiaw arrived from AC Milan in the summer, while Sven Botman has shown a return to form, and the pair are seen as the future of Howe’s defensive unit.
Newcastle United to decide Fabian Schar’s future in January
Schar is out of contract at the end of the season and will be able to discuss a move away amid interest from Bundesliga sides in the January transfer window.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the club plan to resolve the 33-year-old’s future before the end of the mid-season window.
“Newcastle could let Schar leave, yes,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s one of a few players in that back line who maybe are getting to an age where they’re going to be on a bit of a downward curve. Dan Burn is in his 30s now as well, and Kieran Trippier is too, so maybe they need a refresh.
“If there’s interest in Schar from clubs in Germany or elsewhere, it might make sense for all parties to let him move on and go and play regularly.
“They got the new lad [Thiaw] in the summer, and we’ve spoken before about Botman, so those two are probably their first-choice pairing.
“That will allow somebody like Schar perhaps to step away, and maybe Newcastle can focus on replacing him with a younger option.
“Newcastle have to make a decision about whether he’s still capable of playing a role for them, or whether he’s on the wane and it’s time to let him go.
“It’s something they have to do in January, because it will give them clarity on what direction they’re going in, rather than waiting until the end of the season.“
Newcastle’s new contract plans revealed
Football Insider revealed on 26 October that sporting director Ross Wilson is accelerating contract talks at Newcastle to get key players tied down to new deals.
While Schar’s future remains undetermined, there are a number of star players in line for extensions as Howe has no plans to lose his best assets.
This comes as Sandro Tonali signed a new contract, while Newcastle are planning talks with Bruno Guimaraes, as they aim to sure up their midfield options.
Meanwhile, Football Insider on 14 September that Newcastle plan to offer Tuno Livramento a new contract to deter interest from elsewhere.
Livramento would be open to staying at Newcastle if new terms are offered, as he aims to continue his positive progress made since joining the Magpies.
For more Newcastle United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.