£3m deal a Schar thing for Benitez
RAFA BENITEZ was finally back in business in the transfer market yesterday.
But the Newcastle boss was still dealing in the bargain basement as he paid £3m to Deportivo La Coruna for Switzerland international Fabian Schar.
Benitez also finalised a move for Mainz striker Yoshinori Muto, who will not be available until he receives a work permit.
The Toon will pay £9.5m for the Japan international – half what they hope to receive from Fulham for Aleksandar Mitrovic. Muto, 26, has been at Mainz for three seasons, scoring 20 goals in 66 appearances.
Newcastle sealed the deals after Benitez’s frustration surfaced over owner Mike Ashley’s failure to back his judgement on his summer targets.
Ashley and managing director Lee Charnley had only sanctioned a permanent move for keeper Martin Dubravka for less than £4m before yesterday. Ki Sung-Yeung has also arrived on a free from Swansea and winger Kenedy has rejoined on loan from Chelsea.
Schar’s arrival is timely because central defender Florian Lejeune has suffered a knee injury which rules him out of Toon’s two-match trip to Portugal this week.
Benitez said: “Fabian did well in the World Cup and has great experience.
“He adds competition in this position and that is a positive for the team.” And Schar, who has 42 caps, said: “I’m really happy to be here. The club is a really big club for me. It has a big name and it is a brilliant chance for me.
SCORED
“I’m not like a typical defender. I’m quite good with the ball. I like to play. I want to build up the game from behind and I think that is a strength of mine.
“I have also scored some headers. That could also be a strength and hopefully I can use it here. I’m looking forward to everything that’s coming. I just want to get started.”
Newcastle will recoup the fee for Schar, 26, by selling keeper Matz Sels to Strasbourg.
The Belgian’s departure, after playing only 14 games in two seasons at St James’ Park, still leaves the Toon with four keepers in Dubravka, Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot and Freddie Woodman.
Benitez will now decide whether to let Woodman go out on loan.