Fabian Schar’s time at Newcastle United looked to be fizzling out under Steve Bruce, but his fortunes have dramatically changed since Eddie Howe arrived.
After starting two of the first three Premier League games of the season, the Swiss international was an unused substitute for the remainder of Bruce’s tenure.
But after being brought back from the wilderness by Howe, Newcastle’s number five looks a man reborn.
According to the Athletic, when the former Bournemouth manager took over the reins at St James’ Park in November, Schar was described as being “disillusioned” when staff carried out individual player appraisals.
In a one-to-one meeting with Schar during the November international break, the former Cherries boss reassured the ball-playing centre-back that he valued what he could bring to his team.
Howe told the 30-year-old that the club was embarking on a “new chapter” and he had already told the Newcastle hierarchy during his interviews that the defender could become a key part of his plans.
But Howe has been an admirer of Schar for years and if he would have had his way the pair would have already had the opportunity to work together.
Howe tried to sign Schar in five years ago
However, the Athletic state that Bournemouth were unable to agree a fee with Hoffenheim in 2017 when Howe was trying to find a right-footed centre-back to partner Nathan Ake.
Despite the Cherries’ interest in Schar, a move did not come to fruition. The defender joined Deportivo La Coruna instead, before Newcastle activated a £3million relegation release clause a year later to bring him to Tyneside.
Schar then produced an eye-catching performance during Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth in November 2018, showing great courage to carry on playing after breaking his nose, which resulted in Howe’s admiration growing even further.
Schar hasn’t looked back since the 44-year-old was appointed by PIF. He’s started 15 of the 16 games Howe has taken charge off, with the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City being the only game he hasn’t started in.
His relationship with Dan Burn looks to be blossoming and club captain Jamaal Lascelles faces a tough task forcing his way back into the team.
Schar has been included in Garth Crooks’ and Alan Shearer’s Premier League team of the week in back-to-back weeks.
Such has been Schar’s renaissance, Howe has reportedly instructed the club to open contract discussions with the defender. His current deal expires in June, but he’s proven he deserves to stay at St James’ Park.
On current form, Fabian Schar is one of the first names on Howe’s team sheet and it looks like the Newcastle boss is making up for lost time in managing a player he sought after five years ago.
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