Newcastle United now looking at Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi as long-term successor to Fabian Schar

 · January 27 2025, 21:30
Newcastle United now looking at Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi as long-term successor to Fabian Schar
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After failing to sign a central defender in the summer following a lengthy pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, Newcastle United still have the task of finding a long-term successor to Fabian Schar.

With Sven Botman returning from injury and Jamaal Lascelles also expected back before the end of the season, Newcastle's desperation when it comes to signing a centre-back has subsided somewhat, but the need still remains.

Sven Botman and Lloyd Kelly are the only centre-backs on the books under the age of 30 at the moment and with Fabian Schar now 33, it's time the Magpies looked for someone closer in age to Botman to create a long-term partnership.

Newcastle have two young full-backs in Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, so another young centre-back would allow the club to keep a back four together for many years.

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Illiya Zubarnyi is being chased by several big clubs with Newcastle among them

Newcastle United now want Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth

Newcastle are looking towards Bournemouth again, as so often seems to be the case, with Illiya Zabarnyi now of interest to Eddie Howe according to iNews.

The 22-year-old Ukraine international is attracting interest from several clubs as he's been a big part of Bournemouth's fantastic season which is seeing them challenging Newcastle for a European spot.

The report states that it is very unlikely that Bournemouth will let Zabarnyi go in January but may reassess the situation in the summer.

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We will have to wait until the summer to see if Newcastle pursue Zabarnyi

Zabarnyi has played every minute for Bournemouth in the Premier League this season including last weekend's win over Newcastle and this weekend's demolition of Nottingham Forest.

At this point, it's almost a cliche for Newcastle to be targeting Bournemouth players, but we can definitely see the value in this one.

Whether or not we progress this beyond the rumour stage, only time will tell. If we do land him, let's hope that he makes a quicker impact than the last player we took from the Cherries with Lloyd Kelly already being tipped to be sold six months after joining the club.

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