Newcastle United’s Martin Dubravka took to his Instagram page following Slovakia’s heartbreaking defeat to England at Euro 2024, ending his country’s hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals.
The Newcastle ‘keeper has produced some eye-catching displays during the tournament, and impressed again against England in the Round of 16.
Slovakia were seconds away from a famous victory over England and a quarter-final tie against Switzerland before Jude Bellingham equalised in the 95th minute. Harry Kane struck early in extra time to complete what initially seemed like an unlikely turnaround for the Three Lions.
Despite the agonising defeat, Dubravka expressed his admiration for his Slovakia teammates stating he was ‘proud of his team and every single member’ before claiming his side is ‘heading in the right direction.’
Dubravka’s unexpected game time at Newcastle ahead of crucial Euro 2024 campaign
Dubravka found himself falling down the pecking order at Newcastle following the arrival of Nick Pope in June 2022. A largely unsuccessful loan spell at Manchester United followed, appearing just twice for the club. Dubravka was thrust back into the number-one spot after Pope suffered a dislocated shoulder in December 2023.
Pope’s injury gave Dubravka a chance to show Eddie Howe his qualities again and resulted in the Slovakian ‘keeper making 30 appearances for the club in all competitions last season. They were much-needed minutes for Dubravka ahead of a crucial Euro 2024 campaign for Slovakia.
After a shaky return to action for Newcastle, Dubravka produced some impressive performances for the Magpies keeping four clean sheets.
Newcastle could benefit from Dubravka’s performances this summer
Even before this summer arrived, Dubravka’s departure from Newcastle appeared to be inevitable. The likelihood of him leaving Tyneside has increased considerably following the signing of Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest with Elliot Anderson going the other way.
Newcastle will now be hopeful of a higher fee for Dubravka following his exploits for Slovakia and his run in Eddie Howe’s side during the second half of last season.
Any potential fee for the ‘keeper would likely be immediately invested in improving the playing squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, with Newcastle currently having to manage their finances fairly carefully to comply with Premier League regulations.
Dubravka will not be short of suitors this summer, and a potential move away from Tyneside could now potentially happen quickly, following Slovakia’s elimination from Euro 2024.
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