Emil Krafth has spoke out about his Newcastle United future as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal.
The Sweden international is on the back of a busy pre-season, with Eddie Howe needing Emil Krafth to spend most of the summer playing at centre-back.
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While he is predominantly a right-back, the majority of Krafth’s pre-season minutes have come at the heart of defence. But he has continued to show his flexibility, at a time when his Newcastle United future is up in the air.
Emil Krafth is in the final year of his Newcastle United contract
Krafth signed a contract extension earlier this year, keeping him at St James’ Park until 2025.
But with the defender now in the final 12 months of his deal, it has been reported that Newcastle have considered selling Krafth.
That is no surprise, as it is something the club must consider with any player whose contract is winding down.
However, Krafth is eager to continue playing for Newcastle United this season and beyond.
Emil Krafth addresses his Newcastle future
The 30-year-old has spoken to the Athletic about his Newcastle United career, admitting that he would like to remain at St James’ Park for the foreseeable future.
“I’m still alive!” he said.
“I know what I’m capable of. Everyone here is a really good player and everyone wants to be a part of the team this season.
“I want to stay. I love being in Newcastle, being part of the team. I will work as hard as I can to make it happen.”
Krafth continues to be important for Newcastle
When he signed for Newcastle for £5million in 2019, there was not too much excitement. He was signed by Steve Bruce, at a time when the Magpies also had DeAndre Yedlin and Javi Manquillo. Krafth was not seen as an improvement at right-back, yet he is the only player out of that trio that is still on Tyneside.
The Sweden international has become a valuable squad player at St James’ Park, with Eddie Howe heavily relying on his versatility.
Krafth is always on standby to come in and do a job, and has bounced back brilliantly after a horrific knee injury forced him to miss more than a year of action.
Despite suggestions that he could possibly be sold, it is vital that Newcastle retain Krafth this summer. With Kieran Trippier linked with a Tyneside exit, Krafth could end up becoming the second choice right-back again. He could be Tino Livramento’s understudy, as it is hard to envision Newcastle replacing Trippier with a new signing if he does depart.
And if Krafth is going to stay, he should probably be given a contract extension. Letting him go for nothing in the summer of 2025 would be unwise from a business perspective, even if he is never going to be a regular starter again in black and white.
Howe needs squad players he can rely on, and he has got exactly that with Krafth.
