Newcastle United have proposed the sale of Fabian Schar to AC Milan, according to Calciomercato.
Milan are said to be searching for a centre-back, with Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren and Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig among their other candidates.
However, Newcastle have valued their Swiss defender at €15 million and decided he is not unsellable – Milan coach Marco Giampaolo has been noted of this stance.
Schar and Jamaal Lascelles were brilliant for Newcastle last season, with only six Premier League sides conceding fewer goals than Newcastle.
It seems very unlikely that Lascelles would be allowed to leave unless there was a truly big price being offered, so it is interesting to see how the two compare statistically.
Schar made 22 starts and two substitute appearances, making an average of 2.5 tackles (per WhoScored), 2.8 interceptions, 5.7 clearances and 0.7 blocks per game, while also committing 1.2 fouls and being dribbled past 1.1 times each match.
Lascelles started 32 league games, making 1 tackle, 1.2 interceptions, 6.6 clearances and 0.9 blocks per game, while committing 0.5 fouls and being dribbled past 0.1 times each match.
This makes them pretty even across the board, while Schar helped at the other end with four goals and an assist as Lascelles only got an assist.
Both performed well, with their stats showing they each played an important role in complementing the other in the backline, so it would be harsh to suggest that one was weaker than the other throughout the season.
Therefore, it seems confusing that Newcastle would be willing to let the Switzerland international leave, especially for a price as low as €15 million.
Schar and Lascelles have been forming a brilliant partnership, so it feels strange that the club would succumb to AC Milan’s needs and just allow them to take such an influential player without much of a fight.
Why on earth would Newcastle even consider selling Schar? Join the discussion by commenting below…
