A number of Newcastle United supporters have been reacting to a report from The Athletic which claimed that Fabian Schar could potentially be a target for Barcelona in January.
The 58-cap Switzerland international has endured a difficult start to the season, making just four starts in the Premier League. Steve Bruce appears to have settled on a centre-back pairing of Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez, although the Swiss defender’s chances have not been helped by him suffering a few injury issues.
The 29-year-old made 18 Premier League starts for the Magpies last season, averaging 1.8 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 3.3 clearances per game (Sofascore). He also showed his ability to distribute the ball with composure with a 75% passing accuracy rate, so he could be better suited to a team which plays a more possession-based style than Newcastle.
The Athletic have reported that the defender could be seen as a cheap stopgap for Barcelona in January as they look to improve their defensive options to rescue a challenging season. The Switzerland international is reportedly being considered by the Spanish heavyweights alongside a possible move for Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger.
Newcastle fans react to Fabian Schar Barcelona links
Many Newcastle fans were quick to suggest that the “outstanding” defender is capable of delivering better performances than what they have seen from him in the last while, while some suggested that he has declined as a result of Bruce’s work with him and his much-maligned conservative style of play.
Would be a very good player at a club that has a world class manager used to be us 😢 https://t.co/mcHH0pfGj2
— Shay ⚫️⚪️ (@Saintbazza10) December 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/Kevin_Nichol/status/1341335261834321921?s=19
Brilliant on his day, shame he’s not had one of those days for quite a while now
— Andy (@Andyoi) December 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/ShaddersNUFC/status/1341345568438759425?s=19
It would be very sad to see him go. Such a good player, and has many good attributes.
Our player of the year under Rafa and barely gets a look in under Bruce.— ⭐️ King of Northumbria ⭐️ (@Sandancer1977) December 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/SLennon22/status/1341321744854999040?s=19
I see Fabian Schar, not good enough for Bruce’s #nufc is apparently wanted by Barcelona. Well done Steve!
— Jahnny from Jwersey (@DrDreadnought) December 22, 2020
