Opinion: What Martin Dubravka’s agent has said suggests he’ll leave Newcastle soon

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Martin Dubravka’s future at Newcastle United is up in the air.

The Slovakian has been the Magpies’ number one goalkeeper ever since he joined the club in 2018. He first arrived on loan that January, blew everyone away with a staggering debut against Manchester United then signed permanently in the summer.

Only injury has kept him out of the starting XI, with three consecutive managers making him Newcastle’s first choice stopper.

However, that could suddenly be about to change. While Dubravka has been excellent under Eddie Howe, the Toon boss wanted more competition in between the sticks.

He’s got that now, with Nick Pope joining the club for £10million. Signing the England international for a bargain fee has delighted supporters, and given us real depth in goal.

Now the battle is on between Pope and Dubravka to be Newcastle’s number one. While the latter has been excellent, it’s hard to see why the former would move to St James’ Park without assurances over game time, especially in a World Cup year.

That could resign Dubravka to the bench, which isn’t where he wants to be according to his agent.

What Martin Dubravka’s agent has said

Dubravka’s agent has spoken to the media in Slovakia about his client, and admitted that there is interest in him from elsewhere.

“Yes, there are [Premier League teams interested],” he said, as relayed by the Chronicle.

“But I really can’t be more specific at this point.

“He doesn’t just want to cover someone’s back, but he clearly wants to be in goal.”

Newcastle exit could be on the cards

Dubravka, who has been called ‘outstanding‘ by Howe, is 33-years-old now and should be at the peak of his powers. He’s an established Premier League goalkeeper so it’s no surprise that top flight clubs are keen.

But it feels inevitable that he will be second choice at St James’ Park. Pope has been a level above in recent years, and feels like an excellent signing.

However, that doesn’t mean Dubravka should leave straight away. It all comes down to how willing he is to fight for his place and how likely he feels it is that he can start ahead of Pope.

But his agent’s comments suggest that he won’t hang around if he’s not a starter.

Whether that decision comes this summer, in January or even at the end of the season, Dubravka’s days at Newcastle could be numbered given what his agent has said.