Journalist Mark Douglas has praised Newcastle United brass for awarding defender Fabian Schar with a new two-year contract, calling it ‘excellent news’ for fans to get excited about.
Since the arrival of Eddie Howe and the investment in the January transfer window, Newcastle have seen themselves shoot up the table from relegation candidates to top-half hopefuls as the season comes to an end.
However, despite the arrival of stars like Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier, long-term defender Schar has shown his importance since the departure of former manager Steve Bruce, as Howe has given him trust in starting alongside Dan Burn consistently, playing 90 minutes of 22 of Howe’s 24 games in charge.
The Toon boss stated he is ‘delighted’ with the defender’s form and insists he is a ‘hugely important player’ in the dressing room and is ‘pleased he will be a part of our future’.
Journalist Douglas echoed this sentiment in a tweet after the deal was announced by the club, saying: “Excellent news. This has been in the offing for a few weeks.”
TIF Thoughts on Schar’s new deal…
Newcastle have already shown their potential this season as they climbed the Premier League table thanks to their transfer business and the tactical improvement since Howe’s arrival at the helm.
Schar has racked up two goals and four assists from the centre-back position this season, while averaging 0.5 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 3.3 clearances and 0.7 blocks per game as well as a 73.1% pass accuracy (WhoScored).
Did Schar deserve a new contract?
Yes
No
While they brought in talented players that have rejuvenated their team, players like Schar have stepped up under their new manager and deserve to be rewarded for this improved form. There is no doubt the owners will be looking at signing new players in the summer and a defender may come in, but Schar’s form has given them the reassurance that they can perhaps prioritise elsewhere at this stage in the rebuild.