Newcastle United: Eddie Howe looks into defensive overhaul that could see Fabian Schar leave
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Newcastle United: Eddie Howe looks into defensive overhaul that could see Fabian Schar leave Tue 7 April 2026 11:12, UK Newcastle United’s interest in centre-back Karim Coulibaly could spell the end of Fabian Schar’s time at the club.Schar, alongside fellow defender Emil Krafth, will see his contract at the club expire in the summer, with Kieran Trippier having already announced his departure at the end of the season.That leaves manager Eddie Howe short of defensive options, with Malick Thiaw, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall all gathering interest from clubs ahead of the summer window opening.The Werder Bremen centre-back has emerged as a target for the Magpies, according to German publication Bild, although they face competition from numerous European clubs.Newcastle are set to rebuild their squad in the summer, with defensive reinforcements set to be a priority for Howe. 🔄 Newcastle Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Newcastle United boardroom. VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Karim Coulibaly price tag revealedCouliably only made his debut for Werder Bremen at the start of the season, and the 18-year-old has become a regular in their starting line-up.The defender has already made the step-up into the Germany under-21’s squad, and could be a huge coup for Newcastle if they were to win the transfer race for his signature.Games Started20Defensive Contributions152Recoveries56Dribbled Past14Red Cards1Karim Coulibaly’s stats in the Bundesliga for Werder Bremen this season.Newcastle could have to pay up to £39million, as per Bild, to bring the teenager to the club, but that investment could prove worthwhile in the long-term.Selling St James’ Park has increased the club’s financial headroom in the market this summer, and Sandro Tonali could be a star player who departs Newcastle for a big fee.🚨⭐️ Big race started to sign Werder Bremen 18 year old centre back Karim Coulibaly in the summer.Newcastle are involved as BILD reported with 5 more clubs around Europe also very keen.German youth international, prepared for a new chapter in the summer. 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/o8X7Iwccr1— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 3, 2026 View Tweet Newcastle line-up Kieran Trippier replacementCoulibaly is not the only defender on Newcastle’s radar this summer, with Howe expected to sign more than one player in the market.Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Howe is a fan of Arsenal right-back Ben White, and could look to make a move for his services this summer.White, who Everton are also interested in, could be available to leave Arsenal amid a lack of game time this season at the north London club.The 28-year-old could be guaranteed greater game time on Tyneside with Trippier leaving, and Livramento likely to join Manchester City, making the right-back position a vacant spot in Howe’s team.
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