FC Copenhagen Want To Sign This Newcastle United Defender: Why Is Selling Him In January Much Better? | OneFootball

Newcastle United could face another silent shift in their defensive group as reports from the Shields Gazette indicate that FC Copenhagen have shown interest in Emil Krafth. The Swedish defender, 31 years old, reaches the end of his contract this season, and there is a growing suggestion that the club would accept a reduced fee rather than hold him until 2025.

Newcastle appear to have enough room under spending rules to make additions in January, but they still need departures, and Krafth represents one of the more realistic options to move on.

FC Copenhagen are interested in Newcastle United player Emil Krafth

He arrived from Amiens in 2019 and has collected 106 appearances since then, offering steady cover and reliability through various changes in the side. However, the role has gradually shifted as others have stepped ahead of him.

He featured in the recent 3-1 defeat to West Ham, filling in for an unwell Kieran Trippier, though that outing does little to alter his position in Eddie Howe’s plans. Moreover, current squad depth places him further down the list of preferred choices on the right side of defence.

Copenhagen’s interest feels timely, giving Krafth the chance to play a regular role again, while Newcastle could create space in the squad and slightly ease future planning before the window opens. Meanwhile, in some other news, Liverpool are set to rival Chelsea for Newcastle United defender Sven Botman.

Why is selling him in January much better?

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Emil Krafth of Newcastle during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Newcastle United and Bradford City at St James’ Park on September 24, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Selling Emil Krafth for a fee in January will be a strategic move for Newcastle to maximise his value before his contract expires in the summer of 2025. With Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento ahead of him in the right-back pecking order, Krafth receives limited playing time, making his high wages (£55,000 per week) a financial burden for a squad player.

A January sale will stop him from leaving for free at the end of the season and give the club a transfer fee, which Newcastle United can reinvest into strengthening other areas of the squad. Krafth, who the squad respects for his professionalism and versatility, may also want more regular first-team football, making a mid-season move mutually beneficial.