Oumar Solet: Newcastle United look like they have found a Fabian Schar upgrade
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Credit: Imago Thu 14 May 2026 20:00, UK Oumar Solet has been linked with Newcastle United in recent days as Eddie Howe looks to upgrade his squad.It is clear that improvements are needed in the summer, after what has been a disappointing season at St James’ Park.One area that is in need of an obvious upgrade is the backline, with the Magpies’ defence being leaky all season.Now, Solet has emerged as an option, after the Udinese centre-back impressed in the Serie A.As a result, Newcastle may finally have their hands on a Fabian Schar upgrade ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. 🔄 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 Oumar Solet has some excellent statsSolet has been a key player for Udinese this season as they look to finish the season in the top half.The 26-year-old has started in 32 matches in the Serie A this season and boasts many impressive stats.Oumar Solet’s Serie A stats this seasonPer 90 minutesTackles2.27Interceptions1.36Recoveries5.02Clean sheets0.32Chances created0.68Long balls completed 59.4%Successful dribbles1.20Solet has impressed this seasonAccording to Fotmob on 14 May, he is averaging 2.27 tackles, 1.36 interceptions, 5.02 recoveries and 0.32 clean sheets per 90 minutes in the top-flight.On top of this, he is also capable of playing the ball from out of the back, creating 0.68 chances, completing 59.4 per cent of his long balls, and completing 1.20 successful dribbles per game.Matchday 37/38 🔜 pic.twitter.com/hInILsNN7E— Newcastle United (@NUFC) May 14, 2026 As a result, the Magpies may finally have an upgrade on Schar.The centre-back is now 34 years old, and has been injured for most of the second half of the campaign.Therefore, the Magpies may have finally found Schar’s successor, while also resolving their defensive issues.Newcastle feel that Solet could be a bargainFootball Insider has exclusively revealed that Newcastle are stepping up their interest in Solet.The Magpies feel that the defender could be a bargain this summer after sending over several scouts to watch the defender.The Tynesiders are trying to lure the Frenchman away from Udinese for a fee of around £20million, but sources say that it is Inter Milan who are currently leading the race to secure his signature.Udinese are willing to sanction the sale after previously signing him on a free transfer in January 2025.Therefore, it remains to be seen if Newcastle can get the deal done in the summer and finally end their current defensive woes.
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