Martin Dubravka’s Newcastle United transfer saga looks far from over.
It’s nearly seven years since Dubravka joined Newcastle, and since then he’s made 171 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies.
However, Newcastle’s win at Bromley could very well be his last.
The Magpies are in the market for a new goalkeeper with names like James Trafford and Aaron Ramsdale being considered.
Dubravka doesn’t want to stay at Newcastle and even looked to bid farewell to Toon fans against Arsenal on Tuesday – Dubravka’s emotional gesture to the Newcastle fans made many think he would soon be jetting off to a new club.
It was a quiet display from the Slovakian, but enough to send Newcastle through to the fourth round of the FA Cup. However, one moment during the game is bound to have caught the attention of many.
Fans chant for Dubravka to stay at Newcastle
Despite conceding an early goal, Dubravka wasn’t threatened much in the remaining 80+ minutes by the League Two side managed by former Newcastle goalkeeper coach Andy Woodman.
The 35-year-old made just one save but was accurate with his passing and brave in his recoveries.
With fans uncertain about where Dubravka will be at the end of the January transfer window it could’ve been the last time they got to see him at St James’ Park.
During the second half, fans were heard chanting “Martin Dubravka, we want you to stay”. A clear sign of how many fans feel about their longstanding goalkeeper who has been relied on many times this season.
Dubravka kept four straight clean sheets in the Premier League for the first time in his Newcastle career when he came in for the injured Nick Pope in December. The Slovakian was the only Premier League goalkeeper to achieve the feat in all of 2024.
Eddie Howe’s stance on Dubravka’s exit
Dubravka has been a reliable replacement for Pope in recent games, the 35-year-old has been favoured over Odysseas Vlachodimos and has made the most of his chance to impress.
Howe is keen to keep Dubravka at the club past January – his contract is up at the end of the season as of now, he’s set to leave at the deadline.
Newcastle are in a position where they need to make player sales before they can dip into the transfer market, Dubravka’s age makes it difficult for him to draw a large transfer fee.
Howe will now be hoping that those chants from the fans will tempt Dubravka to stay until the summer at least.
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