Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth expressed his desire to stay in the North East and extend his contract following his recovery from an ACL injury. The 29-year-old, who recently returned to the pitch against Manchester United after a 12-month hiatus due to the injury suffered in August 2022, discussed his positive experience in Newcastle with Fotboll Skanalen during international duty. While Krafth, currently included in the Sweden squad, is keen on a contract extension, his existing deal is set to expire at the season’s end, and there have been no indications of renewal.
Facing competition with the arrival of Tino Livramento and the team’s focus on acquiring a new center-back in the next year, Krafth acknowledges the challenge of securing playing time. His prospects for increased minutes hinge on potential injuries to other players, akin to Sven Botman’s recent setback. Despite making 66 appearances since his £5m signing in 2019, Krafth’s future at Newcastle remains uncertain, pending the club’s decision on a contract extension.
While expressing contentment with life in Newcastle, Krafth emphasized that discussions regarding his contract extension are not the primary focus at the moment. He remains open to the possibility of staying in Newcastle with his family but acknowledges that the decision ultimately rests on the club’s intentions, which are yet to be communicated.
As Krafth finds himself on the periphery of Eddie Howe’s squad and anticipates limited playing time, there is speculation about a potential exit in January. With his contract expiring in the summer, Krafth could explore opportunities for more first-team minutes elsewhere. However, the club retains the option to extend his stay, contingent on their assessment of his value to the squad in the upcoming season. While signs suggest it may be unlikely, decisions akin to Paul Dummett’s contract extension last year highlight the unpredictable nature of football squad dynamics.