Newcastle United’s stance on Fabian Schar’s future revealed amid contract uncertainty

Eddie Howe has already made it clear that he’d love Fabian Schar to extend his contract at Newcastle United.

The Switzerland international, who has played the most minutes out of any outfield player since Howe arrived on Tyneside in November, is out-of-contract this summer.

Schar was signed by Rafa Benitez in July 2018 after a £3million release clause was activated in his Deportivo La Coruna contract.

Becoming a key player under Howe

And after almost four years at St James’ Park, the 30-year-old is only four appearances short from clocking up 100 appearances.

The central defender had started just two games prior to Howe succeeding Steve Bruce yet since then has missed just one of his 21 fixtures in charge.

He has become a hugely important player for Newcastle - forming a strong defensive partnership with January signing Dan Burn - perhaps emphasised by his captaincy during the 1-0 defeat at Everton last month.

What Schar has said about his future

Schar’s future has been back on the agenda this week after he addressed his contract situation for the first time this season.

“I think I will know soon,’ Schar told the Chronicle. “I enjoy playing for Newcastle United under Eddie Howe. Hopefully, we can say more in a few weeks.

“But I’m very happy here. Newcastle are my first option.”

Indeed, Schar stating that staying at United is his “first option” will inspire belief that the club can tie him down to a new deal.

Howe keen to keep Schar

Certainly, it’s something Howe is extremely keen to do.

Howe, speaking in March, said: “Fabian is someone, as I’ve said before, I’ve always admired.

“He is a really good footballing centre-back. The most important thing for me is that he has defended very well. He is another one that is trained really well.

“We’re aware of his contract situation and we’ll be sitting down and discussing things with his agent very shortly.”