Howe could drop Schar next season despite fine form

Fabian Schar struggled for consistency in the first half of the season and looked on his way out of Newcastle United as he wasn’t commanding a starting place, but the 30-year-old turned things around when Eddie Howe was appointed manager, becoming a regular at centre-back, impressing on the pitch and signed a new deal.

Schar shone alongside Dan Burn for the second half of the campaign, but his place in the team might be up for grabs with Howe on the hunt for a new centre-back. Chris Waugh of The Athletic says the Newcastle manager wants to bolster his backline, so a new face isn’t going to be sitting on the bench.

Burn has been outstanding since joining in January, so he should keep his spot next season. Schar may not, however, as he’s more expendable of the two – he wins less aerial duels, makes less clearances, is dribbled past more often, makes less tackles and has blocked less shots.

The 30-year-old’s new deal runs until 2024 so he’s not unwanted, but Schar is more likely out of him and Burn to be upgraded. Newcastle have made signing a defender a priority amid links with Sven Botman and Tyrone Mings, so it’s unlikely to be someone willing to have a supporting role.

In other news, Martin Dubravka has uncertain future after latest report