Oumar Solet: Newcastle United look like they have found a Fabian Schar upgrade

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.

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Solet 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.

According 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

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.

Football 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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