Rafa Benitez reacts after sealing his fourth summer signing

The Swiss international, who starred for his nation at the World Cup, has joined the Magpies on an initial four-year contract after leaving Spanish side Deportivo.

An undisclosed fee, believed to be around £3m, was agreed for the centre back who becomes Benitez's fourth signing of the summer.

And having made 25 appearances in La Liga last season, Schar comes with plenty of top flight experience which will prove invaluable for Newcastle this season.

MORE: Newcastle seal defender deal - and a striker signing is near tooHe also impressed at the World Cup, featuring in three of Switzerland's four games and catching the eye with some commanding performances at the back.

Those performances impressed Benitez, who is keen to see the experienced centre back add some more competition to his squad.

The Newcastle manager said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Fabian to Newcastle United. He is an international, did well in the World Cup and has great experience.

“He adds competition in this position and that is a positive for the team.”

READ: Who is Yoshinori Muto? The £9.5m striker set to join NewcastleSchar himself was delighted to join up with a 'big club' in Newcastle, while he also outlined what fans can expect from him this season.

The Swiss international is keen to build play from the back, and wants to ensure that he grasps the 'brilliant chance' that has been presented to him.

“I’m really happy to be here," he admitted.

"The club is a really big club for me. It has a big name, and it is a brilliant chance for me.

RUMOURS: A reported Newcastle deal could be OFF“I’m not like a typical defender. I, of course, defend, but I’m quite good with the ball – I like to play, I want to build up the game from behind, and I think that is a strength of mine.

"I have also scored some headers – that could also be a strength and hopefully I can use it here."