Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth has revealed that he would love to stay in the North East and extend his contract after recovering from an ACL injury.
The 29-year-old recently made his return against Manchester United after spending over 12 months recovering from an ACL injury that he suffered against Tranmere in the Carabao Cup back in August 2022.
While on international duty, Krafth spoke to Fotboll Skanalen about how he and his family have enjoyed their time at Newcastle and if he would like to extend his contract.
The versatile defender was included in the latest Sweden squad but is without teammate Alexander Isak who is also recovering from an injury.
Krafth wants a longer contract
Krafth’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season and there have been no rumours of extending that deal as of yet.
With the arrival of Tino Livramento in the most recent window and the importance being placed on signing a new centre-back in the next 12 months, the Swede would struggled to get into this Newcastle side.
The only way Krafth can see more minutes is if someone picks up an injury like Sven Botman has in the last few weeks which means the defender can come in to help rotation.
Krafth is very keen on extending his time on Tyneside after making 66 appearances since signing for £5m in 2019, but it’s not yet clear if that’s what the club wants.
Speaking on his time at Newcastle and the possibility of a contract extension extension, Krafth said: “Of course we talk a bit, but not much. It’s not something I focus on. I just want to come back and play football. What happens, it happens and then you have to take it then. We are very happy in Newcastle.
“I haven’t thought about it yet. It depends a bit on what the club wants and signals, but they haven’t signaled anything so far. We will see.
“Me and my family are very happy in Newcastle, so we can consider staying. We would love to stay.”
Krafth could make a January exit
The £5m signing is definitely on the peripherals of Eddie Howe’s squad and will likely only be used to give someone else a rest from now on.
Given that his current contract at Newcastle expires in the summer, Krafth is free to discuss joining a new team in the search of more first-team minutes in January once his deal runs out.
The club, however, do have the option to extend the Swede’s time at Newcastle, but only if they see value in using up a spot in the squad next season. All indications suggest that it is unlikely, but it is something that will have to be carefully thought out.
Everybody thought extending Paul Dummett’s contract last year was a bit of a strange move but Howe did actually end up needing the services of the experienced defender in the Carabao Cup.
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