McAvennie ‘delighted’ Schar has signed new deal

Fabian Schar confirmed on Friday that he’d signed a new deal at Newcastle United, extending his contract until the summer of 2024. The 30-year-old was on the periphery under Steve Bruce earlier this season but has been a regular since Eddie Howe was appointed manager and Newcastle are better for it.

Schar has made 24 appearances in all competitions this campaign, boasting 10 wins and six draws. The Swiss international had been on the winning team only once between August and December, but he’s helped the Magpies win nine times in his last 13 league outings.

Newcastle have three clean sheets in their previous four games too and Frank McAvennie credited Schar for being part of United’s turnaround. He told Football Insider: “He couldn’t get a game under Steven Bruce and that defence was awful.

“Howe has brought him in and he’s been fantastic so I’m delighted for him. He’s hit the jackpot really because Newcastle is the place to be. It’s no surprise to see Schar improve. When you sign better players, you play better. The change of manager helped too. He’s earned this new deal.”

Schar joined Newcastle from Deportivo La Coruna in 2018 and has made 98 appearances across the board, scoring nine times with three assists. His future at St James’ Park looked up in the air when he was sitting on the bench earlier in the campaign, but Schar is now one of the first names on the teamsheet.

The 30-year-old has regularly featured alongside Dan Burn at centre-back, keeping Jamaal Lascelles on the sidelines, and now his future will be in the North-East.

In other news, Newcastle should offload Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett to keep Targett