Newcastle United may have an interesting decision to make in regard to Leo Shahar’s long-term development.
The Newcastle United academy star is highly rated behind the scenes but is yet to break into Eddie Howe’s first team despite training alongside them.
Shahar has made 11 appearances at youth level for Newcastle United this season but hasn’t been afforded much of a look-in despite an injury to Tino Livramento.
Kieran Trippier was always the most logical replacement for Livramento, of course.
Still, the fact the 18-year-old hasn’t been called upon at all is slightly surprising given the lack of available options behind Livramento and Trippier.
Now, some insight into Shahar’s future on Tyneside has emerged.
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Leo Shahar could leave Newcastle United on loan next summer
According to The Chronicle, clubs in the EFL are interested in a move for the teenager on loan in January.
However, the report suggests that Newcastle could consider keeping Shahar on Tyneside despite that interest.
Instead, he could be sent out on loan next summer for a full season.
It’s also said that there is a feeling the former Wolves youngster can rise to the challenge of being a first team player at Newcastle in the years to come.
Why Newcastle United have to be very careful with Leo Shahar
Shahar believes he’s improving as a player and he certainly looks like a talent.
Indeed, Shahar has impressed Newcastle coaches behind the scenes during his training time with the senior stars.
A loan move feels beneficial but it has to be the right one. Farming him out for the sake of it just won’t cut it.
Newcastle’s loan system has been criticised, with many of their current young players on temporary visits to other clubs struggling this season.
Trippier is not a long-term solution, as good as he is, and neither is Emil Krafth.
Shahar looks like the most likely candidate to compete with Livramento outside of a new signing.
If Newcastle get his next move wrong, it could really cost them. Failing to find the right environment for a young player to develop does not do much for their progress.
Howe’s system relies so heavily on full-backs at Newcastle that they can’t afford not to make the most of the ones they currently have.
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