Many Newcastle United fans have been reacting to an update from Mark Douglas on Twitter outlining that the Magpies reportedly have an option to extend the contract of defender Fabian Schar and they would be likely to take that up.
Schar has been an important player for the Magpies so far this season, with the Switzerland international having made 16 Premier League appearances and helped Steve Bruce’s side record two clean sheets. The 29-year-old has managed to win 3.1 duels per game, as well as averaging 1.6 interceptions and 3.1 clearances per match (Sofascore), illustrating that he has been a dependable presence in their defence.
The 29-year-old’s form over the last few weeks has been even more vital due to injuries to the likes of Jamal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez. However, he suffered a serious knee ligament injury during the defeat against Southampton on Saturday and that injury is set to keep him out of action for at least a couple of months. Chronicle Live reported that Newcastle will find out later in the week if he needs surgery.
The defender’s current £40,000-a-week deal expires in the summer, but according to Douglas’ latest update, the Magpies have an option to extend that deal by a further year and are likely to exercise that, even if it is just to protect his value in terms of a potential transfer fee were he to be sold.
Bigger issue for #nufc is the contract one. Yet to sign one, he's a free agent in the summer. But it's understood there's an option to extend – which you'd think United would take (even if just to protect value).
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) February 8, 2021
Newcastle fans react to Douglas’ update on Schar’s future
Many Newcastle fans suggested that it would be a no-brainer for the club to keep hold of Schar beyond the end of the season, although one supporter has little confidence that Steve Bruce would make the right decision.
NUFC have rarely been as solid at CB as we we have been in the last 3 years, recruitment has been great in that dept, Lejuene on loan and could leave, Schar could leave this summer and it starts to unravel.
— Matt Upton (@mattjupton) February 8, 2021
Just like loaning out Lejeune, I would always assume Bruce will make the wrong call.
— ⚕ ᑕᕼᖇIS ⚕ (@kicka11) February 8, 2021
Absolute no-brainer to extend @fabianschaer contract!!
I would like to think that @NUFC feel the same way!!!! 📝— Paul Sutcliffe (@PaulSutcliffe80) February 8, 2021
Surly schär and lejeune should both stay they our best centre half’s
— Arron Gallagher (@_arrongallagher) February 8, 2021
Should be a no brainer to extend it.
— mag_1892 (@mag_1892) February 8, 2021
But would he sign?
— Ben Davison 🇺🇦 (@MightyBerk) February 8, 2021
