Despite all the talk of January signings and the sales needed to make that happen, new contracts are also on the agenda at Newcastle United heading into 2025.

We’ve recently seen news of one-year extensions for Sean Longstaff and Dan Burn, with Fabian Schar also expected to sign a new deal.

However, reports this week claim that another pre-takeover player looks set to commit his future to the club after becoming somewhat of an unsung hero during the Eddie Howe era.

Defender offered new deal?

According to journalist Alan Nixon, versatile defender Emil Krafth has been offered a new deal to extend his stay at Newcastle United.

As it stands, the Swede is out of contract at the end of the season and could prepare for his departure next summer if he so wishes – but it sounds like has plans to stay put. 

Nixon states that the club value Krafth’s reliability and professionalism as we look to build our squad depth, with the 30-year-old happy to extend his stay at St James’ Park after settling in the area.

With that in mind, it sounds like a deal that should be wrapped up fairly quickly if all parties are aligned, although it’s not clear if he’ll be offered a one or two-year extension.

A fully deserved deal?

The 30-year-old has been on Tyneside since 2019 and is close to playing 100 games for the club, though his minutes have been limited over the last few seasons following an ACL injury and the arrivals of Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento.

After enduring a difficult start to life in the north east, Krafth is one of many who has undergone a resurgence under Howe, proving more than capable to fill in at right back or centre back when required.

Krafth last featured in the 2-0 win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup in October, getting a full 90 under his belt. He has since suffered a collarbone injury and is expected to return soon.

Should Trippier depart in 2025, we may see Krafth as a capable back-up option to Livramento who can also fill in at centre-back if Lascelles also leaves next summer.