Ross Wilson in talks to secure another defender deal for Newcastle United after departures confirmed

Newcastle United and Fabian Schar’s representatives are in talks regarding a new contract at the club.

The 34-year-old has been out injured since January and won’t play again this season. He is also out of contract next month though fears he has already played his last game for the club may prove to be premature.

Providing an update on Schar’s fitness, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said: “He was so close to returning a few weeks ago, and then, of course, he suffered the infection that he did.

“He's back running again and he's looking fit and healthy, but there's a big difference between that and actually playing. So, yes, I don't think he'll be there [for the final games], which is a real shame for him.”

Schar has made over 250 appearances for Newcastle since joining the club from Deportivo La Coruna for £3million in 2018. He has also contributed an impressive 22 goals for a centre-back, including some memorable strikes against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Burnley and Nottingham Forest, to name a few.

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Fabian Schar out of contract at NUFC

Howe claimed that talks would be taking place between Schar’s representatives and Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson this week with the hope of thrashing out a new deal. Wilson has already agreed one new contract since his arrival with defender Sven Botman agreeing a new long-term deal.

While the departures of Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth have already been confirmed, the lack of noise over Schar’s future suggests a decision is yet to be made. But with Schar present on the pitch for the final home game of the season on Sunday and was part of Krafth’s goodbye message video shared by the club.

“Krafthy, after seven years that we played together, and now it’s time to say goodbye,” Schar said. “You’ve been unbelievable as a player, but mostly as a person. I just wanna thank you for all these years and for what you’ve achieved.”

As revealed by The Gazette last month, Krafth’s home in Newcastle was put up for sale, which turned out to be an indicator of his upcoming departure. Schar’s property remains off the market as things stand.

While Trippier and Krafth got fitting send offs for their service to the club, it would be unusual if Newcastle’s longest continually serving player did not.

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Eddie Howe on Fabian Schar’s future

There is still no confirmation over Schar’s future though Howe dropped a potential hint that it could still be in Newcastle: “I don't necessarily think it's so much about the farewell. I think Fabian's still got a lot to offer on the pitch. His qualities, I think, are still very much there.

“He's had a difficult season this year. He picked up a serious injury, but he's contributed so much. We'll have discussions, I'm sure, with him and his representatives in the next week.”

Schar has previously expressed his desire to see out his career at Newcastle, as has Dan Burn. But his recent injury troubles and slightly reduced role in the side over the past year are all things that all parties will consider before coming to a decision.

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