Newcastle, Magpies, Premier League, Martin Dubravka
Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has left Darsley Park to undergo his medical with Manchester United, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Dubravka’s Magpies career
After initially joining the Tyneside club on loan in January 2018, the Slovakia international made the permanent switch to St James’ Park sixth just months later.
The 33-year-old went on to amass 130 appearances in a Toon shirt, during which he kept 37 clean sheets, the most famous of which was surely his debut display against the Red Devils.
However, following the arrival of England international Nick Pope at Newcastle this summer, Dubravka has seen himself drop to the bench this season, with a limited amount of Premier League game time on the horizon.
The Latest: Set to join the Red Devils
With Man United on the hunt for a number two goalkeeper to compete with long-standing Red Devils servant David De Gea, Erik ten Hag’s side identified Dubravka as a possible addition.
Romano shared an update on Monday evening:
“Manchester United are set to sign Martin Dúbravka, here we go! Full agreement reached, loan deal with buy option, £5m, not mandatory. It’s agreed with Newcastle and player side.
“Dúbravka will travel tonight, medical on Tuesday.”
The Verdict: Big loss
Whilst Dubravka would have been a terrific back-up goalkeeper for Eddie Howe, the Slovakian clearly still has the ability to perform at the highest level.
As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 33-year-old ranks in the top three percent for post-shot expected goals per shot on target, the standout stat to determine shot-stopping ability.
Was Martin Dubravka Rafa's best signing at Newcastle?
Yes
No
With the player leaving to sit on the bench at Man United, his departure will come as a blow for Newcastle, who would have hoped to keep him this season with rotation planned going into cup competitions.
That responsibility will likely now fall onto Karl Darlow.
About the Author
