Newcastle United strike January deal with 'excellent' player - another one could follow

Fabian Schar has agreed to extend his contract at Newcastle United until the summer of 2025.

The two-year deal Schar signed in 2022 was due to expire at the end of the campaign but the Magpies have confirmed the Switzerland international has extended his stay.

The 32-year-old moved to St James' Park from Deportivo La Coruna in 2018 for a bargain £3million and has gone on to make 169 appearances, scoring 11 times.

"I've said it a lot of times, but I feel really at home here," said Schar. I feel so comfortable living in Newcastle; I love the city and I love playing for the club and the incredible fans. I can't say enough how much I love them, and how much their support means to me.

"Playing for this team where I feel so comfortable with all my team-mates and with the coaching staff feels really like a family for me, so I'm really grateful to stay here a bit longer and hopefully to have some more exciting times."

No player has made more appearances for Newcastle since Eddie Howe succeeded Steve Bruce as head coach in November 2021.

Before Howe's appointment, Schar looked set to depart but has arguably become a club icon, especially after netting the fourth goal in the memorable 4-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in October.

Fabian has been excellent for us," added Howe. Since I've come to the football club, he's been a model of consistency and a big part of our success.

"He's defended very well but he's hugely talented with the ball as well, so we're delighted that he's extended his time here."

Newcastle will now likely hold contract talks with Schar's defensive partner Jamaal Lascelles, whose current contract expires this summer.

The 30-year-old is into his ninth full season as a Newcastle player after joining from Nottingham Forest. Lascelles has amassed nearly 250 appearances, the majority of which have come as club captain.

Howe believes Lascelles has a long-term future on Tyneside.

"Jamaal has done really, really well this season, I think his game has come on in lots of different ways," said Howe in December. "Firstly defensively, aerially he has always been very strong, which you've seen in recent game against Fulham.

"I think his defensive understanding of what we want him to do has been very good from day one. His use of the ball has improved, he looks really comfortable in the team at the moment and he's playing some really good football.

"I'm unsure on contract talks with Jamaal. I'm trying to rack my brains to where his contract is at but I think he is part of our long-term future for sure."