Newcastle United are going to keep Martin Dubravka at the club for the rest of the season.
That is according to the Athletic’s Chris Waugh, who believes that the goalkeeper will not leave St James’ Park for a second time this season.
Dubravka joined Manchester United on loan last year, having been ousted as Newcastle’s number one by Nick Pope. The Slovakian headed to Old Trafford in search of minutes, seemingly waving goodbye to his Toon career.
But now Dubravka is back, and he is here to stay. He was recalled from his loan spell at Man United, with Eddie Howe recently stating that he asked to come back to St James’ Park.
The Rafa Benitez signing is already back in the Newcastle squad, and was on the bench for the 0-0 draw against Arsenal. That came as a surprise, and looked like a strong indication that Howe would keep him rather than move him on.
There is reportedly interest in Dubravka from Leicester City, but it sounds like he is going nowhere this month.
Waugh on Newcastle’s plan to keep Dubravka
The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has addressed the Dubravka situation on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, and provided an update on his future at St James’ Park.
“Howe never wanted him to go in the first place,” Waugh said.
“But Dubravka had his head turned, wanted to go and thought he was going to play a bit more there, play in Europe.”
Waugh added: “The plan at the moment is Dubravka is going to stay around. He’s been linked with Leicester and others but the plan at the moment is he’s going to stay at Newcastle for the rest of the season – unless they get a really enticing offer and unless he’s given the guarantees of playing.”
Dubravka makes Newcastle stronger
Getting Dubravka back can only be seen as a positive. He is an excellent goalkeeper, and served Newcastle very well during his time as number one.
However, while he still has the number one shirt, he is now Nick Pope’s deputy. The England international arrived in the summer and took Dubravka’s place, and has justified that decision with a sublime start to life on Tyneside.
Pope is certainly an improvement on Dubravka, but the latter is still an excellent goalkeeper. And his presence in the squad makes Newcastle stronger. It means Howe has more quality in reserve, which is always a good thing.
If Dubravka is happy to be second choice at Newcastle then it is great to have him back. The move to Manchester United was a disaster, where he only made two competitive appearances. He was probably expecting to play a lot more, which is why he decided to make the move.
That proved to be a mistake, and now he is back with the Magpies. Dubravka was always a fan favourite, but the general consensus has changed since his move to Manchester United. But now fans must get behind him following his return.
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