Newcastle United have sanctioned a season-long loan for defender Leo Shahar, sending the 19-year-old to Portuguese top-flight side FC Arouca. The move was completed after a late offer arrived during the final hours of the Portuguese Liga's transfer window.
Late move to Portugal
Shahar had impressed during pre-season under both Eddie Howe and Matthias Jaissle, but with Amar Dedic making a strong start following his transfer from Benfica and Tino Livramento back from injury, the club took advantage of the Portuguese window still being open to agree the temporary exit.
The defender made his Newcastle debut last season in the Champions League play-off round against Qarabag after being a regular in Howe's senior squad. He featured in a host of pre-season games under Howe and then Jaissle before the German head coach agreed to loan him out.
Club statement and debut recall
A Newcastle statement read: "Leo Shahar has completed a season-long loan switch to Portuguese top-flight side FC Arouca. The 19-year-old made his first-team debut for the Magpies earlier this year, appearing as a second-half substitute in February’s UEFA Champions League victory over Qarabağ FK at St. James’ Park."
The statement added: "Leo now joins an Arouca team who sit third in the Primeira Liga table following a strong start to the campaign. Everybody at Newcastle United wishes Leo the very best of luck for the season ahead."
Opportunity too good to turn down
The chance for Shahar to go out on loan in Portugal and face sides like Benfica, FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon week in, week out was too good to turn down in the eyes of Jaissle.
After being held back from a loan last season, Shahar admitted he had mixed feelings on his route to gaining experience. He told Chronicle Live back then: "I did not go out on loan in this window but I am happy now. I am in and around the first-team. I got this opportunity to make my debut. I have to work hard whenever I play or train. If that's playing with the Under-21s I just have to keep working hard and that is exactly the same if I get on for the first-team, I have to do the same."
