Newcastle United could be making wholesale changes at right-back this summer.
It looks like Tino Livramento is going to be the Magpies’ first choice in that position, with Kieran Trippier’s Newcastle United future very much in the air.
The 33-year-old is in the final year of his Toon contract, and it has been reported that Trippier will almost certainly leave Newcastle. However, Howe would like Trippier to stay, with the defender weighing up his options.
Despite Howe’s desire to keep Trippier, it feels likely that the England international will be on his way out of St James’ Park before the summer transfer window closes.
And he might not be the only right-back who leaves the club this summer.
Newcastle consider selling another right-back
Trippier’s Newcastle United contract expires in 2025, and the same goes for Emil Krafth.
He is also in the final year of his deal, after Krafth agreed an extension back in February.
Like Trippier, the Swede is also facing an uncertain future, and The Athletic have reported that Newcastle United have ‘explored’ the possibility of selling Krafth this summer amid his contract situation.
Newcastle must keep Krafth this summer
When it comes to squad depth, Newcastle United must absolutely keep Krafth for the upcoming season.
While the 29-year-old will not be a regular starter for Eddie Howe, his versatility makes him extremely valuable to the Toon manager.
Krafth is predominantly a right-back, but can also play at centre-back. That is where he has been deployed in pre-season so far, and that flexibility is why the Magpies should retain the Sweden international.
It is even more vital that Krafth remains on Tyneside if Trippier leaves. And out of the two of them, Trippier feels more likely to go. That is because of his age, and the fact he will probably have more suitors given how talented he is.
But Krafth is impressive too, and was described as ‘outstanding’ by Howe last season. He played an important role at times amid Newcastle’s injury crisis, bouncing back brilliantly after a horrific knee problem cost him more than a year of his career.
If Trippier and Krafth go, Newcastle will definitely need to sign another right-back. That might be easier said than done, given the troubles that the Magpies are currently encountering in the transfer market.
That is another reason why Krafth should be retained, as he is certainly good enough to serve as Livramento’s deputy.
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