Newcastle must hand Fabian Schar a new contract – opinion

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As it stands, Fabian Schar will leave Newcastle United this summer.

The defender’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, having agreed a one-year extension last year.

The 30-year-old was briefly linked with an exit from St James’ Park during January, with Bordeaux mentioned as a possible destination.

That move obviously didn’t happen, but Schar has now been linked with more clubs amid speculation that he could leave on a free. The Daily Mail state that some Premier League clubs are interested, as well as AC Milan, Napoli, Sevilla and Valencia.

But he reportedly wants to stay at Newcastle, having enjoyed a real renaissance since the arrival of Eddie Howe.

Fabian Schar has earned a new deal at St James’ Park

Schar joined Newcastle in 2018 for a bargain fee of £3million. That was when the Magpies were scraping the barrel for signings, with Mike Ashley unwilling to invest the money required to allow the club to progress.

Now Newcastle are one of the richest clubs in the world, and being linked with new players daily.

But the Switzerland international still has a role to play at St James’ Park. He’s developing into a key player for Howe.

Schar has started all but one game since the change of manager, after previously only making two appearances this season under Steve Bruce.

Howe likes his defenders to be strong in possession, and Schar is exactly that. He’s previously struggled in a back four, but is currently having no such problems. He was fantastic against Leeds, and continued his impressive form in the wins over Everton and Aston Villa.

Newcastle are going to be linked with plenty of big names this summer – especially if we survive in the Premier League. New centre-backs will be targeted, as the new Toon owners look to climb the table.

But Schar deserves the chance to extend his stay in the North East. The players who are stepping up now deserve the opportunity to be a part of the club’s bright future.

The clock is ticking on his current deal, and PIF must present Schar with an offer to stay at St James’ Park.