Martin Dubravka breaks silence after Newcastle United transfer window exit claims

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has constantly been linked with a January move away from the club.

The transfer saga of Martin Dubravka has been the stand out talking point of what has been a very quiet January so far for Newcastle United.

Only the exit of Isaac Hayden to Portsmouth has registered in terms of ins and outs - and although it’s fair to expect a few more, it’s also unlikely to be a whole host more, as the Magpies continue to battle with the realities of PSR, as much as fans don’t want to hear it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One easy way of increasing PSR headroom, however, is to free up wages from within the squad, and also get fees for players. And while the Magpies have found all of that particularly difficult in recent years, one player who seemed to present such an opportunity was Dubravka.

Newcastle United's Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka shouts instructions to the players during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, in London on January 7, 2025.Newcastle United's Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka shouts instructions to the players during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, in London on January 7, 2025.
Newcastle United's Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka shouts instructions to the players during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, in London on January 7, 2025. | AFP via Getty Images

But, it also just so happens that the Slovak is one of Newcastle’s in-form men, and his return to the team has coincided with not only some assured, cool and calm defensive displays, due in no small part to Dubravka’s footballing ability, but also an unprecedented winning streak, which could extend to eight in all competitions with victory over League Two Bromley at St James’ Park on Sunday.

And while a month or two ago many would have jumped at the chance to see Dubravka leave, especially in this PSR-restrictive world, few are saying that now.

The goalkeeper’s waves and longing looks to the away end at the Emirates, after the 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg over Arsenal, seemed to signal the end of his time at SJP - but it appears not.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Instagram post hint

Dubravka took to social media on Saturday evening to share three photos to his Instagram, all of which show him in training for the FA Cup third round, paired with the caption: “Back to the work🧤”

So is he leaving?

Now, I don’t think you have to be a mind-reader to know that looks like Dubravka is prepping to play in the tie - and not head off to the Saudi Pro League, as had been reported in the media in Saudi Arabia. Al-Shabab had expected him to sign on as their player this week.

Will this now be his last show for Newcastle? Well, maybe not either, especially with head coach Eddie Howe so keen to keep him - and Nick Pope still not back from injury.

Howe said: “I think he has been in a difficult position with his contract being up in the summer. There is that doubt and he will naturally want some conclusion to his future.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Whatever the outcome, he has more than played his part in our recent run of fixtures. Hopefully, we can come to some sort of agreement with him."

Howe continued: “Martin has never said he wants to leave. He has been a very good professional and it's a credit to him because it was difficult when Nick Pope was in the team, but he was ready to come in and perform.

"That's down to how hard he trains and you can see how much Newcastle means to him. He is very invested.

"I think the right decision will be the right decision - not just for us but for Martin as well.

"Martin is performing really well and we want to keep him. He's never said he wants to leave and hopefully we can resolve things."

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice