LONDON: Newcastle United has signed Switzerland defender Fabian Schar from Deportivo La Coruna on a three-year deal, the Premier League club said on Thursday. British media reported Newcastle activated a £3 million release clause in the 26-year-old’s contract with the Spanish club. Schar made 25 appearances for Deportivo in La Liga last season, having moved to Spain from Hoffenheim a year ago. “I hope to start training with the team soon and I’m looking forward to everything that’s coming,” he said in a statement. Schar featured in three of Switzerland’s four World Cup matches in Russia, helping his team progress from the group stage, before missing their last-16 defeat by Sweden through suspension. The ball-playing centre-back becomes the Newcastle’s fourth recruit in the close season window. Published in Daily Times, July 27th 2018.