Exclusive: Newcastle Set to Hand Fabian Schär One-Year Extension Despite Reduced Role

Newcastle United are ready to reward long-serving defender Fabian Schar a one-year contract extension, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The experienced 33-year-old centre-back joined the Magpies in 2018 and is playing in what his now his eighth season in the Premier League.

And our sources have learnt that last season’s EFL Cup winners are set to offer the Switzerland international the chance to stay at St James’ Park for another 12 months despite having become a bit-part player this season.

Schar has made a big impression since his arrival from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna, working hard to establish himself as regular in the Magpies’ starting XI.

He played the full 90 minutes as Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley to win their first trophy for 70 years.

Alongside homegrown talent and England ace Dan Burn, the duo formed a formidable partnership at the heart of Newcastle’s central defence.

The Switzerland international has recently been linked with potential moves back to Germany and Spain as clubs monitor his contract situation at St James’ Park.

PECKING ORDER

However, the 86-cap international, has had to accept he is not a regular started this season having fallen down the pecking.

And it is unsurprising a number of rival Premier League clubs have been monitoring Schar’s future with his current deal up for renewal next summer.

Schar has played 206 games for Newcastle in the Premier League and 245 games in all during his career at the club, but Malick Thiaw has meant competition for a starting role is fierce.

There is no doubt Schar has firmly established himself as a fans’ favourite and a loyal servant with the club making a welcome return to the Champions League following their exciting growth under boss Eddie Howe the past few seasons.

But he recently admitted that he has found it tough to come terms with his relegation to the substitute’s bench.

DIFFICULT SITUATION

"Being on the bench has been quite difficult actually," he said. "It wasn't an easy situation."

"I think I did pretty well at the start of the season. Then I had the concussion, out for three games, and I hadn't done anything wrong or played bad - but it's very hard to get back in the team."

"It's very difficult, it was a new situation which has never been the case in the last four years. A lot of things which were new and not easy."

"It's something I know will happen because I'm getting older but I don't want it to happen. I still feel I can bring a lot to the team."

"I just want to be on the pitch and do the same thing I've tried to do over the last seven years and leave my heart on the pitch."