Newcastle United announced the extension of Martin Dubravka and Emil Krafth’s contracts on Thursday.
The pair are two of the Magpies’ more longstanding players and will have the chance to impress Eddie Howe for another season after earning new deals which keep them at the club until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Martin Dubravka nearly left Newcastle in the January transfer window. Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab had agreed personal terms with the 36-year-old but Howe was able to convince him to stay on Tyneside.
Reports claimed the deal was so close that Dubravka began packing to leave Newcastle and said goodbye to his neighbours.
The shot-stopper has enjoyed more game time this season thanks to Nick Pope’s injury absence. Pope is yet to reclaim his place in Newcastle United’s starting XI because of how well Dubravka has performed since December.
Emil Krafth has struggled with injuries this season but recently returned to Newcastle’s first-team squad to provide more depth in defence following Lloyd Kelly’s exit. The 30-year-old joined Newcastle in 2019, making 94 appearances in all competitions.
With the Swede now staying on Tyneside for another year, sporting director Paul Mitchell has revealed exactly why the clubs have decided to keep him on.
Why Newcastle extended Emil Krafth’s contract
Krafth has always been seen as a reliable squad player who could come in where required and do a job in defence. Within the club, they feel the same.
In an interview about Krafth’s new deal, Mitchell confirmed that it was his versatility that made Newcastle so eager to keep him at the club for another year.
Speaking on Newcastle’s official website, Mitchell said: “Emil can play across different defensive positions and he gives the first team squad important balance.
“He is ultra-professional, and given his experience both at club and international level, it made it a simple decision for the club to extend his contract.
“These decisions are part of a collaborative process internally, and we’ll continue to work closely to optimise our chances of success in the short, medium and long term.”
In January, reports revealed that Howe green-lit Krafth’s extension even though he was out with a broken collarbone at the time.
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Contracts have been a big talking point on Tyneside over the last 12 months. Several key Newcastle players have signed new deals including Brazilian duo Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.
In October, the club announced Anthony Gordon had extended his Newcastle deal after Liverpool were interested in signing him in the summer.
After retaining useful squad players, Mitchell now has the huge task of getting Alexander Isak to sign a new deal. The 25-year-old has been subject to transfer interest from the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona and PSG but Newcastle are adamant they will not allow him to leave in the summer.
READ MORE: Who is Alexander Isak? Age, Height, Family, Nationality, Roots
Isak will become Newcastle’s top earner if he signs a new deal. However, reports have claimed that Isak’s Newcastle contract will have a release clause which could still see him leave the Magpies even after signing a long-term deal.
His huge asking price makes it increasingly difficult for any clubs to sign him, but fans would have much more peace of mind if he were to sign a new contract.
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