The next two seasons will feel like a true changing of the guard at Newcastle United.
The final few players from the Steve Bruce era will slowly leave Tyneside, with the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Callum Wilson amongst those who are likely to leave this summer.
Fabian Schar is a player whose future is looking a little less clear however. Having just signed a one season contract extension, the Swiss star has retired from his national team, and all signs would normally point to retirement sooner rather than later.
However, Schar himself has revealed just how he wants his career to come to a close, with St James’ Park being his preferred stay.
Asked if he might retire at Newcastle United during an interview with [Neue Zürcher Zeitung](https://www.nzz.ch/), Schar dropped a clear hint at where his future lies.
He replied: “Yes, that would be great (to finish my career at Newcastle). Everything’s just right here, on and off the pitch.
“When I extended my contract (one-year extension until 2026), I could hardly imagine taking on a new challenge at another club. I’m a player who appreciates what I have.
“However, I’d like to play football for another two or three years and therefore am not thinking about retiring yet. I didn’t have to quit playing for the national team either, but it was the right time. Now I have to find that in club football too.”
Schar’s place in the starting XI next season is so far uncertain. With Sven Botman gradually returning to full fitness, Dan Burn’s fantastic form, and the club openly pursuing new defensive options.
But even at 33-years-old, Schar’s contributions to our recent success cannot be understated, and his European football experience will be something Eddie Howe values immensely ahead of our return to the Champions League next season.
Signed by Rafa Benitez in 2018 for a mere £3m from Deportivo La Coruna, Schar’s been a near ever-present figure in our defence since his debut.
And he was of course part of the history-making Carabao Cup winning side from earlier this year, playing the whole game at Wembley – something which has stuck long in Schar’s memory.
“The cup win was incredible; I’ll never forget it,” he said. “Everyone knew that the end of Newcastle’s title drought would be celebrated exuberantly.
“But when it actually happened and I saw it for myself, it was a completely different experience. I let the moment sink in and realised that this isn’t an everyday occurrence.
“Experiencing this joy is very meaningful to me. I’ve been in Newcastle since 2018 and feel an enormous connection to the city and the club.
“I wanted to give something back to everyone. That’s why the relief after the final whistle in the game against Liverpool was so immense.”