Eddie Howe explains Martin Dubravka position | OneFootball

The future of Martin Dubravka has become a big topic of debate.

The Newcastle United number two keeper had been widely expected to leave in this January 2025 transfer window.

A move to the Saudi Pro League looked sure to happen, with his contract set to end on 30 June 2025, so a last chance for Newcastle United to potentially get some kind of transfer fee and Martin Dubravka to play regularly and at the same time enjoy the bonus of a longer contract.

An injury to Nick Pope has helped change the dynamic, as Martin Dubravka has had the chance of a run in the first team, starting in all of these seven wins in a row.

Having started the cup win over AFC Wimbledon as well earlier this season, Dubravka’s first team record this season shows Played 8 Won 8 Drawn 0 Lost 0 Scored 21 Conceded 2.

Six clean sheets in the eight matches, though he was replaced by Odysseas Vlachodimos due to picking up an injury during that win over AFC Wimbledon.

Obviously, when it comes to how many goals you concede, a major factor is how well your team are playing and how much protection you get from those in front of you. However, undoubtedly Martin Dubravka has played well, far better than last season when he had a bit of a shocker.

In the 2023/24 Premier League season, Nick Pope conceded 16 in 15 PL starts, Loris Karius four at Arsenal in his sole PL start, whilst Martin Dubravka conceded a massive42 goals in 22 PL starts.

As I say though, Martin Dubravka back to something approaching the kind of form we were used to seeing when he played under Rafa Benitez.

Eddie Howe has said (see below) that he wants Martin Dubravka to stay, though he accepts it could go either way.

I don’t think it is difficult to guess what the situation may be.

Martin Dubravka will turn 36 on Wednesday and my assumption is that the club would be willing to add another year onto his current deal, taking him up to end of June 2026.

However, if Martin Dubravka signed for a new club, I’m guessing it would be a contract at least up to the end of June 2027. Plus of course, potentially/likely more money.

Strong rumours are ongoing that Newcastle United will finally sign young keeper James Trafford from Burnley, most likely this summer, to compete with Nick Pope and hopefully become the longer-term number one.

So in these PSR times, contracts and money committed to them are always going to be a delicate balance.

Eddie Howe asked about the Martin Dubravka position, less than six months left on his Newcastle United deal and strong rumours he could leave – 10 January 2025:

“I think that he has been in a difficult position with his contract being up in the summer.

“There is that doubt and he will naturally want some conclusion to his future.

“Whatever the outcome, he has more than played his part in our recent run of fixtures.

“Hopefully, we can come to some sort of agreement with him.

“Martin has never said he wants to leave.

“He has been a very good professional and it is credit to him, because it was difficult when Nick Pope was in the team, but he was ready to come in and perform.

“That is down to how hard he trains and you can see how much Newcastle means to him, he is very invested [in the club].

“I think the right decision will be the right decision… not just for us but for Martin as well.