Hidden Alexander Isak message in Martin Dubravka’s move to Burnley

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Newcastle United have a lot of transfer business to do before the window closes, and that includes outgoings as well as incomings.

While Newcastle want three signings as a minimum before 1st September, there are also multiple players who could wave goodbye to St James’ Park.

The biggest name that could depart is Alexander Isak, but his future is not straightforward. Isak wants to leave Newcastle, but that will not happen until a replacement is identified.

While Isak waits for Newcastle to buy a new striker, the Toon hierarchy have agreed a deal for one of his teammates to leave the club.

• Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer

Martin Dubravka set to leave Newcastle United

Ever since Aaron Ramsdale joined Newcastle United on loan, Martin Dubravka’s days on Tyneside have been numbered.

Dubravka has been in talks with Burnley over a move to Turf Moor, and there is now an agreement in place.

That is according to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, who has stated on X that the Magpies have agreed a deal for Dubravka to join the newly promoted side.

Downie adds that Dubravka is having a medical with the Clarets, with the 36-year-old’s Toon career coming to an end imminently.

The Slovakian’s last Toon appearance came against Celtic, with Dubravka missing the pre-season trip to Asia amid uncertainty over his future.

He made 16 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, and was nominated for the Premier League save of the season award for his stop to deny Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen in January.

• Who is Martin Dubravka? Newcastle United’s adored long-serving goalkeeper

Having secured his replacement in Ramsdale, Dubravka is being allowed to leave Newcastle. That should serve as a message to Isak, who will not get the greenlight to depart until a replacement is through the door.

Burnley replacing James Trafford with Newcastle United goalkeeper

Dubravka has been replaced at Newcastle United by Ramsdale.

However, the initial plan was for him to be replaced by James Trafford. Alas, Trafford has joined Manchester City, which resulted in the Magpies turning towards Ramsdale.

• Introducing Aaron Ramsdale… The ‘colourful’ goalkeeper reuniting with Eddie Howe at Newcastle United

It therefore seems odd that Burnley are replacing Trafford with a Newcastle United goalkeeper. In a perfect world, Dubravka going to Burnley could have facilitated Trafford arriving on Tyneside.

Regardless, Eddie Howe will be happy to have Ramsdale as part of the Newcastle United squad, while it is good to see Dubravka getting a decent move. He would have struggled to get on the Magpies’ bench, and it was vital that Newcastle reduced the size of their goalkeeping department.