General view inside the stadium during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid at St James' Park on August 09, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
General view inside the stadium during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid at St James' Park on August 09, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Emil Krafth’s contract at Newcastle United is set to expire at the end of the season.
Emil Krafth’s agent has claimed Scandinavian clubs could not afford his client’s wages amid reported FC Copenhagen interest.
The 31-year-old has become somewhat of a cult hero on Tyneside in recent seasons despite a lack of game time. Krafth arrived under Steve Bruce in 2019 for £5million and initially found adjusting to English football difficult.
However, since Eddie Howe’s appointment, the Sweden international has developed into a utility man at right-back and centre-back. He has accepted a lesser role within the squad, penning a one-year extension for three consecutive seasons.
FC Copenhagen want Emil Krafth
Danish outlet Bold reported last month that Copenhagen are weighing up a January move for Krafth. The Superliga giants compete in the Champions League and a return to Scandinavia may appeal to the Newcastle United defender.
Krafth - while aware of his role - has just 61 minutes of Carabao Cup action for the Magpies this season. He could favour a return to more regular action during the latter stages of his career.
With his contract expiring next summer, any deal would likely be for a nominal fee. Copenhagen defender Rodrigo Huescas suffered a serious knee injury in October and Krafth is viewed as an ideal replacement.
Agent speaks out
Speaking to Fotball Direkt, Krafth’s agent, Patrick Mork, claimed his wages - thought to be around £50,000 per week - would prove a stumbling block for Scandinavian clubs. He said: “FCK (Copenhagen) is a great club, but his salary is far too high for all Scandinavian clubs. But then it is also about Newcastle not wanting to let him go.”
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Eddie Howe on Emil Krafth nickname
Howe has joked about the versatile defender being nicknamed after one of Brazil’s greatest right-backs. He said last season: “The Krafu nickname originates from some of the players in the squad and one of the coaches.”
“He’s just such an unassuming, brilliant professional. So dependable. When you meet him, you like him. He’s very underrated in the outside world.”
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