Newcastle United will not be rushing into making decisions on the likes of Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier.
Both defenders have played key roles at Newcastle United under Eddie Howe but, when all of his squad are fit, may struggle to get into the team.
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The pair are both entering the final six months of their contracts, too. Schar has been linked with a January move to Germany, while Trippier is attracting interest from Monaco.
It’s difficult to imagine Howe actively wanting either to leave, such is the level of their importance. Schar is an elite back-up player, while the same can be said of Trippier.
While sporting director Ross Wilson has decisions to make over their respective futures, the Newcastle United manager insists everyone at the club is relaxed.
Newcastle United relaxed over the futures of Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier
The Newcastle United squad would look a lot weaker without the two. Schar has made nine appearances this season and Trippier has amassed 15.
Though Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw appear to have replaced the former and Tino Livramento’s return from injury should see the latter dropped to a bench role, there’s little doubt the two remain important players.
Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth are also approaching the end of their contracts too, meaning the club could be looking at an awful lot of defensive upheaval this summer.
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Asked about whether he’s spoken to Wilson over their respective futures and if the sporting director might be tempted to cash in during the January transfer window, Howe admitted there was no rush and that talks will be held.
“We’ve obviously had discussions but not necessarily firming up on plans for the future in that respect,” he said during a pre-match press conference.
“So, I’m sure that will happen at some stage. But I think we’re quite relaxed currently about that situation.
“Yes, we’re aware of all contract lengths of all the players and we’ll make decisions following that.”
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Replacing either of those players would cost Newcastle a significant sum of money.
Yes, at some point, clubs do have to move on.
However, the strength of the Newcastle squad means both Schar and Trippier do not have to play all that regularly when everyone is fit.
As such, it seems wise to try and keep them for another season at least, particularly if the club qualify for some kind of European competition again.
Schar is open to staying at Newcastle and that is a huge boost. It remains to be seen what Trippier thinks but the fact the club are relaxed perhaps points to something positive on that front.
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