Fabian Schar is by no means finished at Newcastle United, but the club are aiming to secure his long-term replacement.
Newcastle United are trying to sign a right-sided centre-back, having narrowly missed out on Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov over the past 12 months. Dean Huijsen was also a Newcastle target, and he would have been perfect for Eddie Howe. However, Real Madrid swooped in.
The Magpies are on the lookout for other options, with Leonardo Balerdi of Marseille emerging as a contender. The Daily Mail have reported that Newcastle are looking into a £35million deal for the 26-year-old.
Marseille do not want to sell Balerdi, which is cause for concern on Tyneside. However, it is easy to see exactly why the Toon recruitment team, fronted by Steve Nickson, have identified the Argentinian defender as a transfer target.
How Leonardo Balerdi compares to Newcastle United star Fabian Schar
Finding a long-term replacement for Fabian Schar is difficult. Whoever arrives needs to be tactically astute, aggressive and incredibly competent in possession.
- Who is Fabian Schar? All there is to know about Newcastle United’s rock steady centre back
Fortunately, Balerdi ticks those boxes. He plays on the front foot, sniffing out danger with his ability to read the game. Balerdi takes no prisoners as he snaps into challenges high up the pitch, much like Schar. They both boast the type of aggression needed to be a successful Premier League defender.
But Balerdi can also do the pretty side of the game that Schar excels at. The 33-year-old is an expert passer, having so often unlocked defences with his incredible vision and range. He is also a mazy dribbler, with Schar having no issues with striding towards goal and dancing past opponents.
That is something that Balerdi can do too. His technical ability in possession so often relieves the pressure on Marseille, while he is able to carry the ball long distances much like Schar.
