Newcastle United managed to get Martin Dubravka tied down to a new contract amid interest from “big European clubs”, according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie.
The reporter claimed via his personal Twitter account on Thursday afternoon that it is good business by the Magpies to sort out the goalkeeper’s future after it was confirmed that he’d agreed a new six-year deal.
Newcastle tie goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka to a new 6-year deal, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2025. Good business by them given big European clubs were circling #NUFC
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) October 24, 2019
Dubravka, 30, has been a mainstay in between the sticks since joining Newcastle on an initial loan deal from Slovan Liberec in January 2018, appearing 59 times across all competitions and keeping 18 clean sheets.
OPINION
Newcastle have done well to get Dubravka to agree a six-year contract. By the time that deal expires, the Slovakia international will be 36-years-old and will no doubt be getting to the point where his playing days might be over. It is a huge statement of intent not only by Newcastle, but also by him to say that he is willing to stick around that long. Dubravka has done very well at St James’ Park and the reported interest from top clubs in Europe is a testament to that. Rafa Benitez built a formidable defensive force before he left Tyneside in the summer and Dubravka’s performances in goals have really helped lay down solid foundations for that. Sure, Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar are impressive in front of him, but at least they know the last line of defence behind them is a reliable one. Dubravka makes mistakes here and there, but what goalkeeper doesn’t? Even the very best have their moments.