Bundesliga clubs ‘in talks’ over signing of Newcastle United star - Sky Sports Germany reports
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Newcastle United latest news: Reports in Germany have suggested that Fabian Schar could be on his way out of St James’ Park.
Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar is reportedly wanted by ‘a number’ of Bundesliga clubs. The former Swiss international has entered the final year of his contract at St James’ Park and would be allowed to agree a pre-contract deal with foreign clubs when the winter transfer window opens.
FIFA regulations on pre-contract agreements state: ‘A club intending to conclude a contract with a professional must inform the player’s current club in writing before entering into negotiations with him.
‘A professional shall only be free to conclude a contract with another club if his contract with his present club has expired or is due to expire within six months. Any breach of this provision shall be subject to appropriate sanctions.’
Schar, who signed a one-year extension to his contract with Newcastle United last season, falls within this criteria and thus could agree to sign for a team based outside of England on a free transfer in January. The move wouldn’t be completed until the summer, however.
Sky Sports Germany report that Schar has suitors in the Bundesliga and that ‘talks are underway’ between the player’s representatives and clubs, although they haven’t named which clubs are interested in signing Schar.
Before moving to Tyneside in 2018, Schar spent two seasons at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. Schar moved to Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna following that spell in Germany before moving to St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s praise for Fabian Schar
Since being appointed as Newcastle United head coach four years ago, Schar has been one of the first names on Howe’s teamsheet and been one of the club’s top performers during that time. However, the 33-year-old has recently lost his place as a regular starter in Howe’s back line amid the emergence of Malick Thiaw and the return to fitness of Sven Botman.
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Schar did start the campaign in Howe’s team, but a concussion he suffered against Barcelona in September saw him fall out of the starting XI. Schar’s only start since that night came against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup last month - a game that he once again impressed his head coach in: “I think it was important for Fabian to come on and do well because it was a difficult moment for him,” Howe said.
“He's been an ever-present near enough since I've been here. Obviously, the challenge is greater this season with the arrival of Malick [Thiaw] and Sven's form and Dan [Burn's] form.
“For all the defenders to step up and to play is not easy with the group of defenders that we have. So, I'm delighted with how he played today and that will do him the world of good.”
Having retired from international football last year, Schar has had time to rest during the current break ahead of the return of football and a very busy fixture schedule. Whilst a return to the starting XI is not guaranteed, Howe will be forced to make a change to his defensive line when Manchester City come to St James’ Park - owing to Burn’s suspension.
That could offer Schar another opportunity to start in the Premier League and stake his claim for a regular starting spot - although he will do well to keep Erling Haaland quiet.