Newcastle United Defender May Turn Down Contract Extension: Big Worry For Steve Bruce? | OneFootball

In a recent report, The Chronicle has stated that Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar may turn down the option of a one-year contract extension when he becomes a free agent at the end of this campaign. It is believed that some European clubs are already keeping tabs on the Magpies centre-back, who could use this summer’s UEFA European Championships to impress and earn a move away from St. James’ Park (via The Chronicle).

Schar’s Difficult Season In English Football

The Wil-born talent is having a tough season with the Tyneside club but has still managed to produce a few solid displays at the heart of Steve Bruce’s defence. Schar has taken part in 17 matches for the Magpies this term, picking up four yellow cards in the process in various competitions.

The 29-year-old deserves a pat on the back for averaging 0.8 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 3.1 clearances and 0.7 shots per game in the Premier League this season. However, he can improve his accuracy a bit when distributing the ball out from defence as he has completed just 77.2% of his attempted passes in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).

Schar is currently sidelined with a knee injury and could potentially be unavailable for a couple of months. Unless the Swiss international decides to exercise the option to extend his stay for another year, it seems like his Newcastle career could be all but over.

What Does The Swiss Defender Bring To The Table?

Schar can use his powerful 1.86m frame to get the better of the opposition and has got a great leap in him that helps him win his fair share of aerial duels for his side. The 54-time Swiss international is a composed presence on the ball and possesses the tenacity to make some important interceptions at the back.

The Newcastle player is always willing to put his foot through the ball to clear his lines when the opposition are closing him down, which makes him a decent, no-nonsense defender at Bruce’s disposal.

Schar May Not Extend His Stay With Newcastle: Big Worry For Bruce?

Therefore, losing Schar later this year will be a massive worry for the Magpies as they might find it difficult to find a suitable replacement for him, especially on a limited budget. The Swiss sensation has a wealth of experience and knows the club well after playing for them for nearly three years.

Besides Schar, Bruce has got Jamaal Lascelles, Federico Fernandez and Ciaran Clark fighting for one of the centre-back spots in his first-team. Hence, losing the 29-year-old could leave a big hole in Newcastle’s defensive department, which Bruce would have to address in the summer if he is still in charge of the Tyneside club by then.