We’re rapidly approaching a period of transition at St James’ Park, with some of the squad’s elder statesmen approaching both the end of their current contracts and playing career as a whole.

The pair of Nick Pope and Dan Burn have both seen their contracts extended this year, and you could see both Englishmen will finish their club careers here with us.

But their close teammate Fabian Schar’s future is still in the air: originally set to see his contract out last season, he signed a one year extension back in April that will see his current deal end next summer.

And having fallen slightly down the pecking order following Malick Thiaw’s arrival and impressive start, things aren’t so clear for the 33-year-old in terms of a place in the current squad.

Schar hints at Newcastle stay

Speaking to The Chronicle, Fabian Schar has suggested that he would be more than happy to stay at Newcastle United and extend his current contract, which is due to expire at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Joining in a £3m deal from Deportivo La Coruna back in 2018, the former Swiss international has enjoyed a stellar time with us, particularly under Rafa Benitez and Eddie Howe, taking his game to new heights under the latter.

It’s widely expected that new sporting director Ross Wilson will open talks with Tino Livramento and Sven Botman over new deal in the coming months over new deals, with the iPaper reporting that Schar is another defended set for talks.

Here’s what he had to say when discussing a potential new deal, hinting that he’s more than happy to stay:

“I have said before I feel at home here. I know in football you never know what happens and it goes quick.

“If that’s something that can happen, that would be good. I would be open to it of course.

“We need to see what the situation is and what happens in the next few weeks.

“I will just try to show what I can do with my quality, and the rest we will see.”

What next for Fabian Schar at Newcastle United?

Right now, Schar finds himself as the fourth choice centre back at the club, which is more down to how good the trio of Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Dan Burn are rather than Schar being poor.

Unfortunately, some fresh fitness and concussion concerns have hampered Schar’s start to the 25/26 season, and it’s unlikely he starts ahead of Thiaw whilst the German is fit and playing well.

So whilst his days as a starter are most likely numbered, Schar’s experience and quality is still undeniable: squad depth is essential to Howe, and you won’t get a defender as good as Schar for a sensible price in the current market.

Much like fellow defender Jamaal Lascelles, if Schar is happy with being a dependable defensive option off the bench, and a rotation option for the Carabao Cup and FA Cup fixtures moving forward, then he’ll have a Newcastle career still for years to come.