Scottish Premiership champions Celtic and Premier League club Newcastle United are both linked with Switzerland’s World Cup defender Fabian Schar.
Fabian Schar could be on his way to Britain at long last this summer. But, with Celtic and Newcastle United both linked with the Swiss international centre-back, discussions now will turn to where Schar would be better off.
The Mail reports that Rafa Benitez wants to enhance his defensive options and has put Schar on his list of targets. The former Basel and Hoffenheim centre-back has a release clause of just £3.5 million after his Deportivo side were relegated from La Liga – meaning even Newcastle could afford him.
This comes a few weeks after El Desmarque claimed Celtic were interested in the 42-capped international. At £3.5 million, they too have the funds to sign Schar, particularly after making a decent profit from the same of Stuart Armstrong to Southampton.
The appeal of the Premier League is well documented, meaning Newcastle could obviously be viewed as the most enticing destination. The chance to work with a coach as renowned as Benitez, and play at the famous St James’ Park, will also appeal.
Celtic, however, can offer Champions League football – should they qualify, that is – and the chance for Schar to fight for silverware for the first time since leaving Basel three years ago.
And, while the 26-year-old would likely be a backup at Newcastle with Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune established as the Magpies’ starting pair, he could be a first choice pick for a Celtic side lacking in quality centre-halves.
This is without mentioning Schar’s modern, ball-playing style; something that makes him a perfect fit for Brendan Rodgers rather than Benitez, whose tactics are a little more pragmatic than purist.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
