Schar’s current deal is due to expire in the summer, but the 33-year-old remains a key performer at the heart of Newcastle’s back four.
If anything, he has been more important than ever this season, holding things together in the absence of Sven Botman, marshalling the defence alongside Dan Burn and regularly sparking attacks with his pinpoint long passes.
He has been offered a new deal, with negotiations ongoing, and while he will turn 34 halfway through next season, Howe is adamant he does not want to lose such a prize asset.
“Everything is different with every player, but I know there’s been discussions taking place between Paul Mitchell and Fabian’s representatives,” said the Magpies boss. “Fingers crossed, we find a solution and get to situation where everyone is happy and Fabian can extend his stay with us.”
Schar’s importance was perfectly illustrated by his performance in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final win over Arsenal.
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Tasked with stepping into midfield to negate the attacking effectiveness of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, Schar performed superbly, pressing aggressively and winning the tackle that led to Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal.
“You can see in recent games, he’s been very good in different jobs that we’ve given him to do,” said Howe. “I think he is a player that you can use in different ways.
“He’s very flexible in the sense that his game suits the modern way. His technical ability goes without saying, but he’s very good off-the-ball too. He’s quite comfortable jumping into midfield to help us with our press, and he’s quite comfortable staying in his position as well.
“He has that tactical understanding, I think he’s elite with his brain in terms of seeing the game. That’s what you get with experienced players, and in that area of the pitch, him, Dan (Burn) and the other defenders we’ve had have done very well this year.”
