Seven Newcastle United players set to leave this summer as Eddie Howe hits back at exit claim
Fabian Schar is one of several players who could be leaving Newcastle United this summer.
Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar is out of contract at the end of June and is currently out injured.
The 34-year-old centre-back has been out of action since January after initially suffering an ankle ligament injury during the 4-3 win over Leeds United. He then suffered a foot infection that required surgery and delayed his return.
It is hoped that the Swiss centre-back hasn’t already made his final appearance for the club. Schar has appeared 251 times for Newcastle since joining the club from Deportivo La Coruna for £3million in 2018.
In the 25 games Schar has missed since his injury, Newcastle have kept just three clean sheets. And Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has admitted the experienced defender has been a ‘big miss’.
Schar is out of contract at the end of June as things stand, which would bring an eight-year spell at St James’ Park to an end if he doesn’t sign a new deal.
Eddie Howe on Fabian Schar’s future
There have been suggestions and claims that the defender would be free to leave Newcastle this summer, but that was played down by Howe when discussing Schar.
“Yes, certainly no decision has been made on Fabian,” Howe said. “So, in terms of guesses and thoughts of his future, that he will be allowed to leave is very premature.
“Fabian, yes, he's been a big miss for us. Not underestimated by us at all. He is one of the most unique ball distributors, I think, in the Premier League.
“I don't think you'll see another player distribute the ball like he can and has done historically for us. He's been very creative from deep areas.
“We've certainly missed that ability to bypass an opponent's press that he gives us. He's versatile. He's played on the left, on the right, in the middle, in a back three. Yes, top player. But also very calming influence, very experienced.
“He's been a big, big miss. I'm a massive fan of Fabian, always have been. I think one of the first things I did when I came here was put him into the team.
“So, we hope he can get back to full fitness before the end of the season in terms of his contract. Let's wait and see.”
NUFC contract situation
In addition to Schar being out of contract, Newcastle also have Kieran Trippier, John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie and Emil Krafth with deals that expire in the summer.
Ruddy is expected to retire, while Trippier has already announced that he will be departing in an official club statement. Meanwhile, there has been almost a radio silence on the futures of Krafth and Gillespie with all five players set to leave the club unless new deals are agreed.
Elsewhere in the first team, Aaron Ramsdale is also set to leave when his loan from Southampton expires. Newcastle are not expected to trigger the £20million option to make the deal permanent this summer.
Matt Targett, who is currently on loan at Middlesbrough, will become a free agent in the summer when his Newcastle contract expires on June 30.