Newcastle United have landed a major boost ahead of Deadline Day, as Fabian Schar has told the Chronicle that he is ‘really happy’ at St James Park.
The 27-year-old centre-back had emerged as a potential target for Serie A’s sleeping giant AC Milan earlier in the summer, and has been linked with a potential move to the San Siro ever since.
But the Switzerland international has no interest in pursuing a route out of Tyneside anytime soon, stating that he has almost everything he could need with the Magpies and is looking forward to another strong season.
“This club has plenty [of] interest in it,” Schar said while addressing the speculation of a move to join the Rossoneri. “I don’t read that much [of the rumours].
“I had a really good season last season, and I am looking forward to this one. The rest is not something I can control. People can write things, but I can’t affect that.
“I am really happy here, and [am] looking forward to the next season. I love this club, the fans, and I have almost everything I need. I am really happy.”
Schar proved to be one of the bargains of the summer last year, as Rafa Benitez capitalised on a £3million release clause in the centre-back’s contract with Deportivo de La Coruna.
In return, the Spaniard happened to sign a defender who would play 28 times for United across all competitions, and score the third-most Premier League goals of any Toon player with four.
Seemingly having his future secured is a huge boost to Steve Bruce and the St James’ Park faithful ahead of Thursday’s Deadline Day and the new Premier League season.
The £7.2m-rated international will be a key figure on Tyneside once more in 2019/20, having won the most tackles per ninety minutes of any player fielded at centre-back by Benitez last term with 2.7 from 3.9 attempts.
Schar also eclipsed the likes of Florian Lejeune, Jamaal Lascelles and Frederico Fernandez for interceptions with 2.8, and passes blocked with 1.1, but one area where he must improve in is his disciplinary record, given he was twice suspended for accumulating too many yellow cards.
The 6 ft 1 ace also committed more fouls per ninety minutes, was dispossessed while in possession more, and made more inaccurate long and short passes than any other Magpie centre-back during the 2018/19 top-flight season.