OFFICIAL: Fabian Schar signs for Newcastle United

Schar moves from La Liga to the Premier League on a 3-year contract after the 'Magpies' activated his £3 million release clause.

In club football, he has spent time in his native Switzerland and Germany with Hoffenheim before making the move to Deportivo La Coruña last summer. He turned out for the club 25 times in the league and did enough to start all of his country's group-stage matches at the World Cup, but missed out on their last-16 match wihich they lost to Sweden.

Rafa Benitez was looking to strengthen his defensive ranks after the sale of Chancel Mbemba to Porto was confirmed on Wednesday, and told the cliub's website that he was very happy to add Schar to his squad.

I’m really pleased to welcome Fabian to Newcastle United. He is an international, did well in the World Cup and has great experience.

“He adds competition in this position and that is a positive for the team.” the Spanish coach said.

Schar will vie for competition with Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Florian Lejeuene for a place in the 'Toon' defence, and believes that he can add a lot to the squad.

“I’m not like a typical defender. I, of course, defend, but 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." the Swiss told 'nufc.co.uk'.