Ciaran Morrison

Tue 7 April 2026 11:12, UK

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Newcastle United’s interest in centre-back Karim Coulibaly could spell the end of Fabian Schar’s time at the club.

Schar, alongside fellow defender Emil Krafth, will see his contract at the club expire in the summer, with Kieran Trippier having already announced his departure at the end of the season.

That leaves manager Eddie Howe short of defensive options, with Malick Thiaw, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall all gathering interest from clubs ahead of the summer window opening.

The Werder Bremen centre-back has emerged as a target for the Magpies, according to German publication Bild, although they face competition from numerous European clubs.

Newcastle are set to rebuild their squad in the summer, with defensive reinforcements set to be a priority for Howe.

Karim Coulibaly price tag revealed

Couliably only made his debut for Werder Bremen at the start of the season, and the 18-year-old has become a regular in their starting line-up.

The defender has already made the step-up into the Germany under-21’s squad, and could be a huge coup for Newcastle if they were to win the transfer race for his signature.

Newcastle could have to pay up to £39million, as per Bild, to bring the teenager to the club, but that investment could prove worthwhile in the long-term.

Selling St James’ Park has increased the club’s financial headroom in the market this summer, and Sandro Tonali could be a star player who departs Newcastle for a big fee.

Newcastle line-up Kieran Trippier replacement

Coulibaly is not the only defender on Newcastle’s radar this summer, with Howe expected to sign more than one player in the market.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Howe is a fan of Arsenal right-back Ben White, and could look to make a move for his services this summer.

White, who Everton are also interested in, could be available to leave Arsenal amid a lack of game time this season at the north London club.

The 28-year-old could be guaranteed greater game time on Tyneside with Trippier leaving, and Livramento likely to join Manchester City, making the right-back position a vacant spot in Howe’s team.