Eddie Howe admits 'outstanding' defender could sign Newcastle United deal - player has already dropped hint
Newcastle United contracts: Two key Newcastle United players are set to leave the club this summer as things stand.
Eddie Howe has addressed new contract talks for Newcastle United defensive duo Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar.
The experienced pair are both out of contract at the end of the season and are currently free to agree pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Schar has been linked with a move to the Bundesliga as his contract runs down at Newcastle while Trippier has attracted interest from AS Monaco and the Saudi Pro League.
Both players have contributed significantly during their time at Newcastle so far but Schar will turn 35 next season while Trippier will be 36, leaving both the players and the club with a decision to make about their futures.
Fabian Schar drops new contract hint
Schar made his 250th appearance for Newcastle in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, an achievement that did not go unpraised by head coach Eddie Howe.
“Some effort from Fabian,” Howe said. “He continues to impress. I think he's an unbelievable character when you work with him every day.
“He's a cool, calm and collected that you see on the pitch in his body language and his demeanour, but he's someone that cares so deeply about the football club and what he does.
“He's been such an important player for us after the last few seasons with his technical skills are quite obvious when you watch him play, but he's got that big heart that every defender needs.
“He puts his body on the line continually for us. He's brave. I think he's been outstanding and what a signing from the football club, and great to see him still going and playing so well.”
Following the Palace match, Schar took to social media to post an image of himself holding up his special 250th appearance Newcastle shirt along with the caption: “Perfect way to start the year and celebrate 250 games for @nufc Proud every single time I walk out in these colours, here’s to many more.”
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There ‘here’s to many more’ statement suggests Schar is open to staying at Newcastle beyond the current season. After reaching 200 appearances for Newcastle in 2024, Schar put out a post stating ‘here’s to many more’ before signing his latest contract extension that runs to the end of the season.
Eddie Howe asked about NUFC contracts & transfers
When asked specifically about a new contract for Schar, Howe responded: “Yeah, there's definitely the possibility, I think. All these things will take care of itself in time.
“All Fabian can do is continue to play at the level that he is.”
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And when asked more specifically about the conversations with sporting director Ross Wilson in relation to new deals for Schar and also Trippier, Howe remained relaxed about the situation.
Although Schar and Trippier have historically been very important players in Howe’s side, the emergence of Tino Livramento at right-back and signing of Malick Thiaw at centre-back have injected some youthful energy into The Magpies’ back line. As such, Trippier and Schar could be facing reduced roles in the side should they agree new deals at St James’ Park.
“We haven't had huge discussions regarding the contract of certain players, but just because time, as I said earlier, will dictate what happens there and the players' performances will dictate what happens beyond this season,” Howe added.
“Very loose discussions in terms of the transfer window as well, because we're in the middle of a really busy spell of games.
“ I think we're all aware, Ross included, that as I've said before, our injury situation will dictate what happens in the market.
“I know the work's going on behind the scenes to prepare us for that. If we need to move, we can move.
“But if not, then we can keep our powder dry for the summer, because I think with the PSR world, as you talk about, anything we do now will impact us down the line.