FC Copenhagen are reportedly preparing a move for Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth as they look to strengthen their squad during the winter transfer window.
The Danish club have turned their attention to the Swedish full-back following a serious injury to their first-choice right-back, Rodrigo Huescas, which has left them short in that position for the remainder of the season.
According to reports from Bold, relayed by Campo, Copenhagen are keen on bringing Krafth to Denmark and are ready to make an official approach once the January window opens.
Huescas’ knee injury has forced the club to act quickly, and Krafth has emerged as one of their main targets due to his experience and availability.
The 31-year-old has found game time extremely limited under Eddie Howe this season. His only appearance came back in September, when he started in Newcastle’s 4-1 win over Bradford City in the EFL Cup.
Since then, he has struggled to feature in the Premier League or in any of the club’s European fixtures. With competition for places at right-back intense, Krafth’s opportunities have been few and far between.
At St. James’ Park, Kieran Trippier remains the undisputed starter on the right side of defence, while youngster Tino Livramento has proven to be a capable backup.
Their strong performances have made it difficult for Krafth to reclaim his spot, and with his contract entering its final year, the Swede could soon be heading for the exit door.
Copenhagen see this situation as an ideal opportunity to secure an experienced defender at a reduced cost. The Danish side are reportedly confident they can strike a deal for a “reasonable price,” with Transfermarkt currently valuing Krafth at around €2 million.
Newcastle are unlikely to demand a high fee given his limited role and expiring contract, making him an attractive option for Copenhagen.
Krafth, who joined Newcastle from Amiens in 2019, has made over 60 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions.
His versatility and reliability once made him a useful squad player, particularly during the club’s rebuilding phase. However, since Eddie Howe’s arrival, Newcastle’s defensive depth and quality have increased significantly, reducing Krafth’s importance in the team.
In addition to his club struggles, Krafth’s international career has also hit a stumbling block. The defender was recently left out of the Sweden national team squad, a decision that may further push him to seek regular football elsewhere.
A move to Copenhagen could help him regain form, consistency, and visibility at both club and international levels.
The Danish Superliga outfit are currently competing on multiple fronts and see Krafth’s experience in top European leagues as valuable. His defensive awareness, physicality, and professionalism would fit well into their system, especially given their need for stability in the right-back position.
Copenhagen are also mindful of budget constraints, which makes a cut-price deal for a player of Krafth’s calibre even more appealing.
From Newcastle’s perspective, the potential sale could make financial and sporting sense. With Krafth unlikely to feature prominently for the rest of the season, offloading him in January would free up wages and create room for possible reinforcements.
The club are in a phase where every roster spot matters, and Eddie Howe is known for maintaining a tightly competitive squad.
It’s clear that Krafth’s time on Tyneside may be coming to an end. The defender’s professionalism has never been in question, but with younger, faster options ahead of him, his role has diminished significantly.
A move to Copenhagen could offer him a fresh start and regular minutes in a familiar European environment.
If the transfer materializes, it would not only solve a pressing problem for Copenhagen but also allow Krafth to rediscover his rhythm after a challenging spell at Newcastle.
The transfer window often brings opportunities for players who have fallen down the pecking order, and this could be the perfect moment for the Swedish international to begin a new chapter in his career.
While no formal bid has yet been confirmed, all signs suggest Copenhagen are serious about their interest and ready to move quickly once January arrives. Given Krafth’s situation, a transfer seems increasingly likely one that could benefit both the player and the clubs involved.
