Amiens right-back Emil Krafth is reportedly on his way to Newcastle to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a four year contract, according to Swedish newspaper Expressen at St James’ Park, becoming Newcastle’s fourth senior signing.
The 25-year-old full-back has 20 caps for the Swedish national team, and made his international debut in January 2014 in a 2-1 win in Moldova.
Krafth could be in line to make his debut for Newcastle in Sunday’s season-opener against Arsenal on Sunday. But what can fans expect from their imminent signing?
Niclas Palmkvist, 44, from Swedish town Åstorp, watched him play during his time at Helsingborg, and he told Geordie Boot Boys: “He was a very good player when he played here.
“He is a very good offensive full-back, with plenty of pace and is an excellent crosser of the ball.
“He plays for the national team regularly, and I think he will be a very good fit in the Premier League.”
So he sounds like a similar type of player to DeAndre Yedlin, but he has more to his game than just pace, which will be a relief to Newcastle fans who often question the American’s defensive ability.
He can play in both a defensive and attacking role
Niclas, admits that he was always more of an attacking player for Helsingborg, but it was largely due to the system they played, and he has more of a defensive role for the national side.
“He plays more defensively for Sweden, but he often suffered injuries, but that comes with his combative style of play.
“He may not be the most exciting of names to sign for Newcastle, but fans should be very hopeful that he will be a big success at the club.”
Certainly Toon fans will hope Niclas is right, and with Krafth on the right, with Jetro Willems on the left, the full-back positions suddenly look a lot stronger than they did two weeks ago.
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