Newcastle United opinion: Why the Magpies should go for Emil Krafth

According to a report from The Chronicle, Newcastle United sent scouts to watch Emil Krafth during Hull City’s defeat to Amiens on Wednesday.

A 24-year-old right-back with 20 caps for his country, Krafth has done well for Amiens and has previous experience in Serie A with Bologna and Helsingborgs.

He has three years left on his existing deal with Amiens, so Newcastle may have to fork out a good amount of money to lure the Swede from Ligue 1 to St. James’ Park.

Newcastle’s summer business seems to have achieved some momentum following the appointment of Steve Bruce.

The Magpies have signed Joelinton but Bruce should be keen to add some more players before the transfer window closes next month. And interest in Emil Krafth means the Newcastle boss is keen to increase competition in the full-back areas.

In DeAndre Yedlin, Javier Manquillo, Paul Dummett and Achraf Lazaar, Bruce has very limited options in the full-back department.

Due to Dummett’s injury last term, former manager Rafael Benitez used Matt Ritchie in the makeshift left-back role and the diminutive Scotsman did a decent job. But Bruce cannot expect Ritchie to do a similar job again and must address the problem this summer.

Emil Krafth could be a good addition to the Magpies’ defensive ranks. Kraft joined Amiens permanently this year after initially signing for the club on loan from Bologna. The 24-year-old, who can also play in the midfield, made 35 appearances in the French top-flight last season, scoring once and providing one assist.

The Sweden international isn’t the most attack-minded full-backs in European football but he is defensively very astute and incredibly disciplined.

Krafth is a very good reader of the game, a decent tackler and while he is a bit reserved with his passing, he can be a top option to have in the side when Bruce sets up his team defensively against bigger opposition.

Krafth’s addition could potentially unlock Yedlin’s attacking traits, helping him thrive in an advanced role down the right flank. The two players can complement each other very well and solve Newcastle’s problems at the back.

Verdict

At the age of 24, Krafth has good experience at both club and country level. With less than two weeks left for the transfer window to slam shut, Newcastle must go all out to land the Swedish defender.