Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has spoken out about goalkeeper Martin Dubravka’s future, as Dubravka was expected to leave the club this week to join the Saudi Pro League.
The Magpies are on an incredible run of form at present, completely changing the trajectory of their season in the Premier League and earning a confident victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg earlier this week.
Eddie Howe will feel like any pressure on his position at the club has completely lifted after the transformation in the performances over the last six weeks, he is now in a position to not only qualify for European football next season but potentially win a domestic trophy too.
An expectation to do business in the January transfer window weighed heavy on the club earlier in the campaign, as the squad was looking in need of fresh perspectives, however, the recent results have provided a happy distraction for supporters.
That isn’t to say that Newcastle can get complacent over the coming weeks, as there is still a long way to go in the season and bringing in a right winger or centre-back at some point this month would certainly boost much-needed depth in the squad.
In terms of outgoings, it is likely that the Geordies would need to offload some players to boost transfer funds if they wanted to attack the market with confidence this month, but a new update from the manager suggests he isn’t ready to let one, in particular, go yet.
It was reported this week that Martin Dubravka would leave the club after fulfilling his duties at the Emirates in the Carabao Cup, and his emotional moments with the away end after the final whistle fuelled the speculation of his immediate future even further.
It was expected that the Slovakian shot-stopper would join Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab, however, Howe has now claimed that he could remain at St James’ Park even beyond the summer.
The Newcastle boss was asked about Dubravka’s future in his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Bromley in the FA Cup this weekend (via The Shields Gazette):
“I’m not totally up to date with anything so I don’t want to tell you any lies, but talks are definitely ongoing.”
“I think [Newcastle’s form] will, of course [help convince Dubravka to stay]. The team is in a good moment and Martin is in a good moment.
“He will know he has been an important part of that. I don’t think there’s been any part of this that has been negative. The main focus is on Martin’s future.
“That is the area that we, as a football club, need to clear up, with just six months left on his contract. That will be the important thing for Martin.
“We will do whatever it takes!”
Should Newcastle keep Martin Dubravka?
There is no doubt that Dubravka has redeemed himself for the Newcastle fans since taking over from an injured Nick Pope in recent weeks, with six clean sheets in eight appearances and winning every game he has been involved in.
Indeed, Pope is the first choice keeper for the Magpies and there are three others on the books, however, it is undeniable that the 35-year-old plays a role in the first-team squad that can’t be matched.
While it might not be the best decision to give him a new contract going forward, as building a squad for the long-term future will be imperative to the progress Newcastle can make, but having him continue on Tyneside until the summer would be massively advantageous.
The North East giants do need to sell players in order to acquire the services of players in positions needing strength in January, but it would be a huge risk to let Dubravka go at this stage of the season for next to nothing.
With that being said, it makes little to no sense for Newcastle to part ways with Dubravka at this point, unless a very lucrative offer comes in for him that allows for the club to spend healthily in the weeks ahead.
