Fabian Schar signs! - Player, Howe and Wilson react as Newcastle announce new deal
There's been a period of goodbyes at Newcastle United since the 2025/26 season was wrapped up at Fulham last month.
Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth have both bid farewell as they leave on free transfers, with John Ruddy also waving goodbye after a year on Tyneside.
However, one previously out-of-contract Mag who will not be departing just yet is Fabian Schar.
After reports yesterday indicated that a one-year extension was likely following positive talks, the 34-year-old has now put pen to paper.
Delighted Schar signs one-year deal
Newcastle United have announced that Fabian Schar has signed a new one-year deal at St James' Park.
The former Switzerland international was out of contract this summer, but will now remain at the club until the end of the 2026/27 season after post-season discussions reached a positive conclusion this week, where the defender agreed to stay on reduced terms.
Speaking to the club's official website following today's news, Schar seemed delighted to extend his stay, describing Newcastle as his "home", both as a club and city.
"I'm really pleased to be staying at the club. I feel like I've achieved a lot in my eight years here but I believe there is still much more to come.
"I'm proud to call Newcastle home. Everybody knows how happy I am, both in this city and with this club, so I'm very glad to be continuing that for another year.
"Last season didn't end the way I wanted in terms of my injury, but my full focus now is on getting back to fitness and helping the team achieve our goals next season."
Howe and Wilson react to new deal
Eddie Howe has shared his delight at Schar's renewal, believing the ball-playing centre-back still has so much to offer his squad.
Howe has hailed his quality on the pitch, but also his 'leadership and experience' off the field, which may be key now we've lost former captain Kieran Trippier.
"Fabian has been outstanding since I arrived at the football club so I'm really pleased to see that he'll be staying with us.
"He's a really highly valued member of our squad, not only for his ability on the pitch but also for the leadership and experience he brings to the group.
"Fabian's form was really strong until injury ended his season. His creative distribution, defensive mentality and huge experience was a big miss towards the end of the last campaign. He has worked tirelessly to regain his fitness and we look forward to seeing him back in action next season."
Sporting Director Ross Wilson has also commented on Schar's stay, revealing that all parties overcame some "complex discussions" before an agreement was reached.
"I'm delighted that Fabian has committed himself to the club and will continue his Newcastle United journey for another year.
"It's clear how highly regarded he is by everybody at the club. He's made a really positive impact during his eight years here and we believe he still has a key role to play both on and off the pitch.
"We had some complex discussion, but all involved were keen to reach a conclusion on Fabian's future quickly following the season's end, so I'm pleased to have that clarity this early into the summer. We look forward to seeing Fabi back in the squad during pre-season."
He may take up more of a squad role following Malick Thiaw's arrival, but there is life in the old dog yet, with his ball-playing qualities and experience still invaluable to this side.
Schar suffered a serious injury in January's 4-3 win over Leeds, but is expected to be fit for pre-season and our build-up to the 2026/27 campaign.
