Al-Shabab – the Saudi Pro League club linked with Miguel Almiron a year ago – are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign the veteran goalkeeper. Once considered a stalwart in the starting line-up, Dubravka has played second fiddle on Tyneside since Nick Pope’s arrival in 2022.
However, the Slovak has stepped up when called upon, most notably for five months last season while Pope remained sidelined with a shoulder injury. A knee problem has also ruled the England shot-stopper out since early December and allowed Dubravka’s stock to rise.
Newcastle have won all six games with the 35-year-old back between the sticks – conceding just twice – to reopen the goalkeeping debate. But the trip to Arsenal tomorrow could be the final time Dubravka represents the Magpies before a likely switch to the Middle East.
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“The situation with Martin is we would not want him to leave, but you also have to respect and understand the player’s wishes in this,” Howe said. “It’s not as clear cut as people think,
“Martin’s out of contract in the summer so you have to add that to the mix. It’s all hypothetical. Martin has been outstanding and professional, he didn’t have much football before he came into the team and he has done brilliantly.”
Dubravka recently spoke about how emotional he will feel to leave St James’ Park after seven years – dropping his biggest hint yet over the saga. He said: “Nobody has spoken to me about a contract extension yet, so I feel my phase is slowly coming to an end.
“I’m going to take it a bit more emotionally because seven years at one club is a long time. Everybody knows me here, I know everybody here. My children were born here. If it has to end, I will accept it. What else is left for me? But it won’t be an easy departure.”
‘Coming to an end’ – Newcastle United player with 182 appearances breaks silence on likely January exit
