It seems that the transfer saga of Martin Dúbravka is definitely at an end.
According to the portal Ariyadhiah, his transfer from Newcastle United to the Saudi Arabian Al-Shabab will not take place for the time being, as the manager of the English team, Eddie Howe, has decided to keep the Slovakian goalkeeper in St. James Park.
This is the same portal that was the first to report that Dúbravka is in close negotiations with Al-Shabab. He claimed some time ago that the aforementioned transfer is only waiting for official confirmation.
However, it seems that after the last performances of the Žilina native, there was a 180 degree turn in Newcastle.
Apparently, Dúbravka’s amazing form also contributed to this, when in the last seven duels in which he replaced the injured Nick Pope, he picked up seven triumphs and recorded five clean sheets.
After last year’s triumph over Arsenal, it seemed that he was saying goodbye to his own fans.
Dubravka has reportedly already been verbally agreed with the Saudi Pro League side, but TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey claims Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell is currently determined to do everything to keep him in the squad. Even at the price that his current contract – 50 thousand pounds per week – will increase.
Newcastle’s long-term unit – Nick Pope – is long-term injured and manager Howe reportedly feels the club needs Dubravka and would pay to lose him.
Newcastle actually have up to five goalkeepers, but two of them – John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie – are veterans, while Greek international Odysseas Vlachodimos is said to have yet to impress.
Howe had this to say about Dubravek at a press conference on Friday: “Martin never said he wanted to leave. He’s our very, very good professional. It’s difficult when Nick plays and Martin doesn’t. He always had to be ready.
He has always performed well, whatever the weather, he is there for us. You can see what Newcastle means to him emotionally.”
Source: sportweb.pravda.sk
