The Telegraph are reporting that Fabian Schar looks set to be offered a new deal at Newcastle United after impressing Eddie Howe.
The Swiss international is approaching the final few months of his current contract at St James’ Park, however it looks like he’ll be offered the chance to extend his stay on Tyneside after showing the new manager what he’s capable of.
Schar – a ball-playing defender Howe appears to rate highly – has started all but one of our last 13 Premier League fixtures and is adding consistency to his game, performing admirably in recent clashes with Leeds, Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham.
Elsewhere, Luke Edwards’ ‘exclusive’ for The Telegraph reveals that Jonjo Shelvey also looks ‘likely’ to sign a new deal.
His current contract is due to expire in 2023 – meaning he’s approaching the final 12 months of his deal – however he is another who has shone under Howe and could be rewarded as a result.
The report states that Paul Dummett has impressed senior figures at St James’ Park and may also enter talks over an extension.
His deal is due to expire at the end of the season, but a new contract for the Geordie defender would be a surprise move given his lack of game time and poor injury record of late.
Last but not least, Luke Edwards (see below) claims that talks are ongoing regarding a new deal for Sean Longstaff, although that has been the case for some time now, with him another who will leave for nothing this summer if no agreement can be reached.
Schar and Shelvey can be good squad players who may well keep their place in the team next season if they keep up this level of performance, however I do feel it would be a mistake handing Dummett another deal.
With us likely to upgrade several areas of the squad this summer should we stay up, a new contract for an ageing and injury prone defender who doesn’t get in the team at present feels like a potential waste of a squad place…
Schar is getting a game in Howes starting 11 as is Shelvey – so I can understand those 2 being offered a new deal. That said, both are in there 30s & without sounding too harsh, both could be upgraded.
But Longstaff & Dummett – and again not wanting to sound too harsh, but I wouldn’t keep either.
Starting with Longstaff – he’s a good distance behind Joelinton, Shelvey, Willock, Bruno and Hayden. He’s sixth choice and has done nothing to challenge that when given the chance. I’d be looking to upgrade on him with a player that would also get in ahead of Hayden & Shelvey too.
As for Dummett. I do like him as a player so this is tough to say – but it’s time to let him go imo. When he plays he does pretty well more often than not – but that’s when he plays. He’s too often injured for me & rarely short term ones either. It’s a squad place taken up by a player who is rarely available for selection.
The ruthless side of me says move the lot on. We aren’t competing for top 6 with any in the team or squad.
Why do I say that? – coz no top 6 side have come after them & wouldng be looking to snap them up on a free either. We aren’t selling them either, not on the wages they are on so letting them go for free is the best way to create that space in the squad.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Totally agree with your comments especially about Longstaff & Dummett. The player overhaul will likely take 3-4 transfer windows so you need to keep some of the existing squad. I think a problem area is goalkeeper as a modern “sweeper” keeper is needed even though Dubs hasn’t really let the team down.
Michael sursham(Quote)