Newcastle Close to Schar Contract Extension, But Defensive Reinforcements Still Targeted
Newcastle United are nearing a new contract for one of their first-team stars after making progress in negotiations. Sporting director Paul Mitchell, tasked with managing eight expiring contracts this season, is now set to finalize a deal for a key player.
Schar Set to Extend
According to Mark Douglas at *The i*, veteran defender Fabian Schar is close to signing a new contract. The 33-year-old has been a cornerstone of Eddie Howe’s setup in recent seasons, making over 200 appearances since his £3.2m move in 2018.
While there have been minor signs of decline, Schar remains valuable, especially if Newcastle qualify for European football next season. However, Howe is expected to seek fresh competition to strengthen the squad’s depth.
Newcastle Eyeing Defensive Additions
Despite Schar’s expected renewal, *The i* reports that Newcastle will still target a “fresh injection of energy” at centre-back. Two Bournemouth defenders, Dean Huijsen and Ilia Zabaranyi, have reportedly caught Newcastle’s attention after impressing during a 4-1 win over the Magpies earlier this season.
Mitchell has developed separate recruitment plans based on the club’s potential European qualification. A Champions League berth would unlock one set of targets, while another list is prepared for a scenario without continental football. This underscores the significance of securing a spot in Europe’s elite competition.
Leave a Reply