Fabian Schar has been enjoying a sensational season for Newcastle United, but his future beyond the current campaign is not guaranteed.
According to the Telegraph, there is a chance that Schar could leave Newcastle during the summer transfer window.
The Magpies are set to be in the market for a right-sided centre-back, as Eddie Howe looks to enhance his squad ahead of a season that should include European football.
It has previously been claimed that the club will listen to offers for Jamaal Lascelles, who looks like the favourite to leave. He has rarely featured this season, making two just Premier League starts.
However, the Telegraph’s report suggests that it could be Schar who departs.
Newcastle could sell Fabian Schar or Jamaal Lascelles
The Telegraph appear to suggest that a new centre-back arriving will coincide with either Schar or Lascelles leaving St James’ Park.
It would be a huge surprise if it is the former, as he has been one of Eddie Howe’s best players this season. The 31-year-old has been virtually an ever present at the back, starting 29 games out of a possible 34 games in all competitions.
The ‘unbelievable‘ Schar has formed a brilliant partnership with Sven Botman, helping ensure Newcastle have the best defensive record in the Premier League. And his performances are even more impressive given the fact that he has previously struggled to play in a back four on Tyneside.
The only way Newcastle should let him go over Lascelles
Selling the £3million man would look like a huge mistake, but there is one scenario where it could make sense to let him go and keep Lascelles.
It could all come down to interest from elsewhere. Schar is likely to have a lot more suitors, and should be able to command a higher fee. That could boost Newcastle’s spending power in the summer, and Dan Ashworth has admitted that the club will need to trade players in the future.
Both Schar and Lascelles are contracted to Newcastle United until 2024, meaning this summer will be the final chance to cash in – unless the club plan to dish out an extended deal.
If a new signing is to arrive, it does not make sense to keep both Schar and Lascelles. One is likely to go this summer, and the captain is surely the favourite.
However, the Telegraph are not ruling out the possibility of Schar being the one to wave goodbye at the end of the season.