Paul Mitchell has multiple contract dilemmas to sort out at Newcastle United.
Various members of Eddie Howe’s squad are on course to become free agents this summer, which means Newcastle United have some tough decisions to make.
Newcastle officials have held talks with Callum Wilson, with the 32-year-old in the final few months of his Toon deal. However, it feels likely that Wilson will leave Newcastle when his contract expires.
Elsewhere, Newcastle are in talks to retain Emil Krafth. The Swedish defender is a valuable squad player, so it is no surprise that Eddie Howe wants to keep him at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe confirms Fabian Schar contract talks
Another player he wants to keep is Fabian Schar.
The 33-year-old is on course to become a free agent, but Eddie Howe has confirmed that Newcastle United sporting director Paul Mitchell has held talks with Schar’s representatives about extending his Toon career.
“I know there has been discussions taking place between Paul Mitchell and Fabian’s representatives,” he said.
“Fingers crossed we find a solution, and we get to a situation where everybody is happy, and Fabian can extend his stay with us.”
Howe added: “I think you can see in recent games, he’s been very good in different jobs we’ve given him to do. I think he is a player that you can use in different ways. Very flexible in a sense that his game suits the modern way. His technical abilities go without saying, but he’s very good off the ball. He’s quite comfortable jumping into midfield to help us with our press. He’s quite comfortable staying in his position as well. It’s that tactical understanding. I think he’s elite with his brain, in terms of seeing the game. That’s what you get with experienced players in that area of the pitch.”
What Newcastle United must do to keep Fabian Schar
It has been reported that Schar is expected to sign a new Newcastle United contract.
That is excellent news, as he is a vital player on Tyneside. Schar has said he wants to stay, and now all parties are working towards making that a reality.
However, Paul Mitchell may have to offer the centre-back more than just a one-year extension. Geordie Boot Boys were told in November that Schar wants a multi-year deal at Newcastle United.
That might not appeal to the club given his age, but they would be wise to give in to the defender’s demands. Losing him on a free would be a huge mistake, and he has shown no signs of slowing down despite his age.
Newcastle aiming to buy Fabian Schar’s successor this summer
In the meantime, Newcastle are also searching for Schar’s long-term successor at St James’ Park.
They tried to sign Marc Guehi last summer, while Newcastle nearly bought Abdukodir Khusanov in January.
Neither deal went through, which means that the Magpies will restart their right-sided centre-back search this summer. Newcastle are targeting at least three new signings, one of which is a centre-back.
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