According to iNews reporter Mark Douglas, Newcastle United are close to finalising a new deal to extend Fabian Schar’s stay at St James’ Park.
Newcastle are fresh off winning their first major trophy in 70 years at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, so spirits will be high for the club and the supporters at the moment.
Those who are not involved in international duty are in Dubai for a warm-weather training camp and have been spotted partying with celebrations ongoing after their Carabao Cup victory against Liverpool.
The festivities are set to continue long into next week too, as a trophy parade is being planned back on Tyneside to give supporters on home turf a glimpse of their new silverware.
While the celebrations continue, sporting director Paul Mitchell is working on the recruitment plans for the summer with the club already securing Conference League football for next season at the very least.
There is a huge opportunity for Newcastle to still qualify for either the Europa League or Champions League depending on their league position in the Premier League following their final ten games of the season, so recruiting depth will be imperative.
The club has been strongly linked to AFC Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen ahead of the summer transfer window, and it is clear that the defence is a priority area that the hierarchy wants to address.
Indeed, new signings will be crucial to the club’s ambitions and progression both domestically and on the European stage, however, retaining talent will be just as important as several players are being linked with moves away and contracts are running down.
Fabian Schar is one of the players who has not committed his future to the club beyond this season, but it is now being reported that he is close to agreeing a deal to remain on Tyneside.
iNews reporter Mark Douglas has revealed that while there is still some work to be done to reach a full agreement, it is believed that Schar will be a Newcastle player next season.
Paul Mitchell is already responsible for recently securing contracts for both Martin Dubravka and Emile Krafth, and is now claimed to be working hard to finalise another deal with the Swiss centre-back.
Should Newcastle extend Fabian Schar’s contract?
Although the 33-year-old is in the latter stages of his career, he still has a huge role to play at the club and his reliability has been undeniable during Eddie Howe’s tenure so far.
There have been a number of injury issues in the defensive set-up with both Lewis Hall and Sven Botman recently needing surgery, while Jamaal Lascelles has struggled to come back from his ACL injury sustained last year.
Schar – who has been hailed a “total one-off” by Howe – has been one of the most consistent performers in the Newcastle defence, and his defensive display in the Carabao Cup final has only further cemented his right to remain involved beyond this season.
With that being said, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Schar’s extension announced very soon and would be the right decision for the club as they try to navigate the next chapter of the club’s chase for success.