Another one in. Emil joins the fray...
Emil Krafth today becomes Newcastle United’s fourth senior signing of the summer. A full Swedish International, Emil is a right back who can also play in a more advanced position as a wing back in a back five.
Capped 20 times for his National side Krafth joins for a fee of £5m from French side SC Amiens just 5 days after his 25th birthday. This represents good business for Amiens having only signed the player from Bologna last summer on loan with a view to a permanent deal which was completed in July. Newcastle, on their part, having no doubt been assured that this transfer would be allowed given the player will not have actually played for three clubs.
Starting his career in his native Sweden with Osters he moved to Helsingborg aged 18 before upping sticks and moving to Italy and Bologna three seasons later.
At 6ft in stature he will had more a a physical presence to the right side of defence and some much needed competition for Yedlin (who has missed the entire pre-season) and Manquillo. It remains to be seen is this signing will result in the departure of either of the current right backs at the club although there is frantic activity ongoing to reduce the overall number of professionals on the clubs books.
Emil is not the first Swedish International to join United of course. Those old enough will certainly remember Andreas Andersson from the 98/99 season.
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