Newcastle United's first January transfer 'set' to happen this week after receiving financial green light

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Martin Dubravka will play his last game for Newcastle United against Arsenal on Tuesday night.

That’s according to Saudi Arabian newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, who claim Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab have ‘obtained the approval of the Financial Sustainability Committee’ to sign the Slovakian.

The same publication reported earlier this week that Dubravka had agreed personal terms with Al Shabab and an agreement with the Magpies had been reached.

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Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Newcastle United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Newcastle United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Newcastle United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) | Getty Images

United boss Eddie Howe revealed on Friday that he doesn’t want to lose the 35-year-old but suggested the decision would be left to the player. Dubravka is out-of-contract at the end of the campaign would likely sign a more lucrative deal in the Middle East.

The situation has been complicated by Nick Pope’s knee injury, which has seen Dubravka start the last six games. All six have ended in wins, and he has only conceded twice.

“The situation with Martin is, we would not want him to leave but of course you have to respect and understand the player’s wishes as well in this,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “It’s not as clear-cut as everyone would necessarily have you think.

“Martin is out-of-contract as well in the summer so that is a different dynamic to add into the mix. It’s all hypothetical.

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“Martin is and has been fully committed, I think he’s been outstanding and a brilliant professional to work with. I’ve got a lot of respect for him and I think he’s done really well when you consider he didn’t play a lot of football and coming into the team.

“Fair to play him and how he’s handled that situation.”

Asharq Al-Awsat say Dubravka will officially join Al Shabab after Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg away to Arsenal. If true, it heavily suggests Pope is nearing a return with Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy as back-up.

Providing an update on Pope, Howe said this week: “Nick is starting goalkeeping work so he’s back on the grass diving etc but he’s still not fully training with the group. He’s got a little bit of time to go but I think his knee is in a good place.”

After visiting the Emirates, Newcastle host League Two side Bromley in the third round of the FA Cup, where Howe is expected to make wholesale. The next Premier League fixture is against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, January 15.

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