Experienced Newcastle man comes clean on claims January signing will force him out
Newcastle full-back Emil Krafth has opened up on the possibility that his time at St James’ Park could be brought to an end this summer.
The popular Swedish full-back joined the Magpies in a bargain £5m move from Amiens in August 2019. During his two and a half year spell at St James’, Krafth has clocked up 55 appearances, rarely letting anyone down when called upon. He has one goal to his name, that coming against Manchester City at the back end of last season.
He is currently contracted to Newcastle for another 15 months, meaning he is approaching something of a career crossroads this summer.
The club must decide whether he is worthy of a new deal at St James’ Park. Or whether the time is right to cash in. Failure to do either will leave them exposed to the possibility of him walking away as a free agent in summer 2023.
That said, Krafth can no longer be considered first-choice for Newcastle United anymore.
Indeed, the club’s new-found wealth means players, like Krafth, suddenly find themselves falling down the pecking order. As such, the January capture of Kieran Trippier – the first of five new deals on Tyneside that month – saw Krafth lose his place.
Trippier’s subsequent injury has let Krafth back in, however, and he now looks to be playing for his future.
That said, the player appears open minded on the possibility of moving away and Trippier’s signing ultimately forcing him out.
And when asked about his future, Krafth admits he’s unsure what the future holds.
“No idea actually. My only focus is on being here and now,” he told Fotbollskanalen. “I have a contract with the club and everything else that happens will happen, there is nothing I can influence.
“I have a contract with Newcastle and if something happens this summer, I will have to take it then.”
Emil Krafth insists focus is on football only
Newcastle’s controversial takeover has put the club as the world’s richest club. Indeed, their owners are reportedly worth a crazy amount.
Asked for his opinion on the new owners, Krafth insists he is only there to play football and is only looking to stay professional.
“I do not think it’s something that we, football players, focus on. We’re more there to play football. The second is over our heads. A lot of bad things happen in many places, just look at Ukraine and Qatar. As a player, you just try to think about what you are there to do.”
Krafth was also asked if Newcastle’s players are under instruction to avoid passing comment. The full-back again just says his only focus is on playing matters.
“I guess they have not said anything to us. You can answer what you want. I try to focus on football.
“I do not think players focus on who owns clubs. We’re there to play football and do our thing.”
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