NUFC announce the signing of Fabian Schar – Read his first interview & Rafa’s reaction here

Newcastle have confirmed their fourth signing of the summer, with centre-back Fabian Schar signing an ‘initial’ three-year deal with the club after we activated his £3m release clause at Deportivo.

The 26-year-old played for Switzerland and this summer’s World Cup and has played for Basel, Hoffenheim and most recently for Deportivo La Coruna, with him available at a cut-price deal following their relegation from La Liga.

Say hello to our new number 5️⃣, Fabian Schär!

Full story: https://t.co/xIIRhaCgJm #NUFC pic.twitter.com/DvaTqsvQOS

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 26, 2018

Here’s what he’s had to say since making the move official in the last few moments:

“I’m really happy to be here. The club is a really big club for me. It has a big name, and it is a brilliant chance for me.

“I’m not like a typical defender. I, of course, defend, but I’m quite good with the ball – I like to play, I want to build up the game from behind, and I think that is a strength of mine. I have also scored some headers – that could also be a strength and hopefully I can use it here.

“I hope to start training with the team soon, and I’m looking forward to everything that’s coming. At the moment, I just want to get started.”

He’s a ball playing centre-back and someone who clearly looks forward to showing us that he’s more than just a defender – suggesting he could be an ideal signing for Benitez IF Florian Lejeune’s injury is in fact serious.

Here’s what Benitez has had to say since he signed:

“I’m really pleased to welcome Fabian to Newcastle United. He is an international, did well in the World Cup and has great experience.

“He adds competition in this position and that is a positive for the team.”

A good signing for NUFC?

Click here to read more about him, with us conducting a Q&A with La Liga expert Simon Harrison to find more out about the Swiss international defender.