'Definitely the possibility': Eddie Howe says 'important' Newcastle United veteran can still earn new deal
When Ross Wilson came through the door at Newcastle United as sporting director, it was believed that one of his big missions would be to reduce the average age of the squad.
Particularly in defence, Newcastle have an abundance of players over the age of 30, with Kieran Trippier, 35 and Fabian Schar, 34, really boosting the average.
Both players are in the final year of their contracts, too, and both have clubs interested in taking them away from St James' Park.
Fabian Schar has been linked with a move to the Bundesliga, while Trippier has been attracting interest from AS Monaco and the Saudi Pro League for a while.
Eddie Howe hasn't ruled out a new contract for Fabian Schar
Fabian Schar reached 250 appearances for Newcastle on Sunday and, after the game, posted on social media sharing his pride at reaching this milestone and finished off with 'Here's to many more'.
We already knew that Schar would love to end his career at Newcastle and is in no rush to leave, so it all comes down to whether or not the club want to keep him on.
Eddie Howe was asked directly today whether Schar still has a future at Newcastle, and his response was very positive.
“Yeah, there's definitely the possibility, I think. All these things will take care of itself in time. All Fabian can do is continue to play at the level that he is.”
There's no room for sentimentality in football ... but it's Fabian Schar
Howe spoke very highly of Schar after making his 250th appearance, labelling him an 'important' player for the Toon.
“He continues to impress. I think he's an unbelievable character when you work with him every day. He's a cool, calm and collected that you see on the pitch in his body language and his demeanour, but he's someone that cares so deeply about the football club and what he does.
“He's been such an important player for us after the last few seasons with his technical skills are quite obvious when you watch him play, but he's got that big heart that every defender needs. He puts his body on the line continually for us. He's brave. I think he's been outstanding and what a signing from the football club, and great to see him still going and playing so well.”
Fabi has found himself back in the starting lineup to cover for the injured Sven Botman, and given the Dutchman's injury record, we surely can't entertain the idea of letting him leave when we clearly need that backup.
While he can still play at the level he is, why would we let him go? Eventually, of course, we will need to replace him, but let the lad live out his dream of retiring from the game as a Newcastle player.
