Newcastle United may be preparing for a January departure as one of their first-team defenders edges closer to a move abroad.
The Magpies, under Eddie Howe, are juggling multiple challenges both on and off the pitch, seeking to establish themselves as a regular force in the Champions League while strengthening their standing in English football.
After a slow start to the season, Newcastle currently sit 13th in the Premier League, and the future of several players remains uncertain, raising questions about who will stay and who might move on.
Among those in limbo is Emil Krafth, the Swedish right-back whose contract at St James’ Park is set to expire next summer. Krafth joined Newcastle from Amiens in 2019 and has become a reliable, if understated, figure in Howe’s squad.
Over the past six years, he has made 106 appearances for the club, providing stability and professionalism in a role that often requires versatility and patience.
While he has not always been a regular starter, his contributions off the bench and during rotation periods have been praised internally, highlighting his dedication to the team and consistent work ethic.
Reports from The Daily Mail, citing Craig Hope, suggest that Danish champions FC Copenhagen are keen on securing Krafth’s services, potentially as early as January.
The allure of moving closer to his homeland may appeal to the 31-year-old, especially if Copenhagen can offer the security of a long-term deal. Although Krafth and his family are settled in Tyneside, the opportunity to play in Denmark, coupled with the chance to sign a contract with stability, could provide a compelling reason for him to consider leaving Newcastle midway through the campaign.
Eddie Howe has been effusive in his praise for Krafth over the years, recognizing both his professionalism and understated talent. Following a strong performance against Chelsea last November, Howe described him as “an unassuming, brilliant professional, really hard working, so dependable.
When you meet him, you instantly like him. He is a very good player and underrated by the outside world. Internally, we love him, and you can see his qualities. We really value him.” This acknowledgment underscores Krafth’s role not just as a squad player but as someone who contributes positively to the team’s culture and cohesion.
Newcastle’s management faces a delicate balancing act. While losing Krafth mid-season might require a replacement at right-back, the club could view a January transfer as an opportunity to recoup a portion of the £5 million paid for him in 2019, rather than letting him leave for free when his contract expires.
Krafth himself has shown remarkable professionalism, having extended his contract three times in the past three years, most recently in February, tying him to the club until June 2026.
His willingness to remain committed despite limited playing time has earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and supporters alike, making any potential departure a notable event for Newcastle.
The situation reflects the broader challenges facing Howe and Newcastle this season. Maintaining squad stability while planning for the future is critical, particularly with key players such as Sandro Tonali attracting interest and Fabian Schär’s contract nearing its end.
Krafth’s potential exit is emblematic of the delicate decisions the club must make: weighing the benefits of immediate squad continuity against the financial pragmatism of selling a player before his contract expires.
While Howe would undoubtedly prefer to retain the dependable right-back, the offer from Copenhagen presents a pragmatic option, one that could balance both the club’s sporting and financial interests.
Ultimately, Newcastle will need to make a strategic choice regarding Krafth’s future. His experience, work ethic, and professionalism have made him a valued member of the squad, but the opportunity for a new chapter abroad may be difficult for the player to ignore.
Should the move materialize, it will mark the end of a six-year spell on Tyneside, highlighting the ongoing evolution of Howe’s squad as the club navigates the dual pressures of domestic competition and European ambitions.
