Newcastle United have made a late move to keep Fabian Schar at the club, despite expectations he would leave this summer. Eddie Howe himself revealed the news of Newcastle’s new contract offer to Schar, with his current deal set to expire in July.
The 34-year-old defender is out of contract at the end of the season and had been widely expected to depart after an injury-hit campaign.
Howe confirmed the talks are now progressing during his pregame press conference held on Friday.
“I’ve had a few discussions
with Fabby,” Howe said. “Discussions are now with Ross (Wilson) and his agent and we hope to come to a successful conclusion.”
Newcastle’s stance represents a clear shift from previous expectations around Schar’s future, as the veteran was looking on the outside looking in for next season.
“Fingers crossed. We want Fabian to stay,” Howe said. “I think he’s got a lot to offer.”
The veteran defender has not featured since January after suffering an ankle injury that later developed into an infection requiring surgery. Despite that absence, Howe made clear the club still values his role.
“I think we’ve missed him since he’s been injured,” Howe said. “We’ve missed his distribution and his passing from deep… the way he accelerates our attacks.”
Any extension would come with a defined role, and a diminished one at that, which might or might not appeal to Schar.
“We wouldn’t be keeping anyone that we didn’t feel could help the team,” Howe said. “I think Fabian’s been unbelievable for us.”
With a bit over a month left in Schar’s contract, the situation remains unresolved.
“Until it’s signed, it’s not done,” Howe said. “But I still feel he has a lot to offer.”
Schar has appeared in 252 games for Newcastle, scoring 22 goals and assisting on eight more.
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