Despite having four in their squad, Newcastle United have been linked with signing a new goalkeeper this month.
Plenty of names have been linked, from the out of favour Dean Henderson to the Barcelona megastar Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
But so far, all Newcastle have done is brought in a right-back and a striker.
Goalkeeper appears to be a position of strength for the Magpies, but none of the current stoppers have excelled this season. And the Athletic claim that Newcastle haven’t ruled out signing a new man in between the sticks this month.
While it’s merely speculation right now, the speculation should put Newcastle’s current goalkeepers under more pressure – particularly Martin Dubravka.
Martin Dubravka hasn’t been his usual self since Newcastle comeback
The Magpies started the season with Freddie Woodman in goal, who was handed his big opportunity due to injury and COVID.
He struggled to take his chance, lacking any support from the defenders in front of him.
When Karl Darlow was fit, he took his place. But the former Forest man wasn’t much better, and heightened the need for the number one to return.
Dubravka was reinstated on November 27th, starting the second game of the Eddie Howe era.
He’s been in the starting XI ever since, but never really played to the peak of his powers. Instead, we’ve seen uncharacteristic errors and a lack of composure from the Slovakian.
We need our big players to perform, but that isn’t happening at the moment. The threat of new signings should be inspiring the current crop, but it appears to be having the opposite effect.
If Dubravka’s underwhelming form continues, the chances of him being replaced will increase. But the 33-year-old is very popular at St James’ Park, and fans would rather see him return to his best.
When he first arrived at St James’ Park, Dubravka looked like one of the best goalkeepers outside of the top six. We need that Dubravka to return as we look to avoid the drop.
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