Schar makes Newcastle U-turn under Howe having been 'disillusioned'

An impressive January transfer window has no doubt been a major factor in Newcastle United's revival in 2022, but the influence of Eddie Howe since his appointment in November must not go unnoticed.

The 44-year-old took over a side that had not won a single game all season and looked devoid of any hope of survival, with the majority of the squad not looking up to standard for the league.

But with his tactical nous, Howe has produced the most unlikely of renaissances for Joelinton, whom he has turned from a misfiring striker into a midfield dynamo that is integral to the team's setup.

Yet there has been another player in the Magpies side who has seen an impressive turnaround in fortunes after being described as 'disillusioned' upon Howe's arrival.

And that is defender Fabian Schar, who looks set to make a U-turn on his Newcastle future following a much improved second half of the season.

Which other players do you believe have improved under Eddie Howe since he took charge? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

The Switzerland international was focused on leaving St. James' Park this summer upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season, which would leave him as a free agent.

The 30-year-old's initial contract had expired last summer but the club exercised the option to extend his deal by another 12 months, although nothing more long-term had been agreed.

But according to The Athletic, it is believed that Schar is now open to agreeing new terms with the club following his revival under Howe.

The centre back arrived at the club in 2018 on a three-year-deal from Deportivo La Coruna after the Magpies had activated his £3 million release clause, following the Spanish club's relegation from La Liga.

Since then, he has made 91 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies, which includes 17 this season.

Upon Howe's arrival at St. James' Park, he was told that Schar has become 'disillusioned' in the north east after feeling underappreciated and unwanted under Steve Bruce during his final few months in charge.

But the former Bournemouth manager set about dealing with the problem immediately and convinced Schar that this would be a new chapter during a one-on-one meeting in the November international break.

Howe had tried to sign Schar whilst at Bournemouth in 2017 and informed the Newcastle board that he believed he could become a 'critical' player in their fight for survival.

And so far, the Swiss international has missed just one game under Howe since his appointment and has become a focal point in defence with his impressive displays.

Three clean sheets in their last six games and a goal against Brighton in the most recent fixture highlights the impact of his turnaround on Tyneside.

Dan Burn was signed in January, while the club remain intent on bringing in considerable reinforcements this summer, but should Schar keep up his improving form, the club may have already reinvented their own defensive stalwart.