Martin Dubravka hints at Newcastle United stay with specific claim which outlines his future
Martin Dubravka looks set to stay at Newcastle United after claiming he is “looking forward” to next season under Eddie Howe.
Dubravka has been one of the standout players in the new-look Newcastle team during the second half of the season. The goalkeeper has appeared 27 times in all competitions, during which he has amassed eight clean sheets.
The 33-year-old has been one of the many names thrown around that Howe was looking to replace this summer. This latest revelation, however, has all but sealed his future.
Many players had been touted to replace him, such as Manchester United’s Dean Henderson and the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga.
A report from Chronicle Live has, however, all but confirmed his stay in Tyneside. They say that this is good news and the right sort of player Newcastle fans want to appear in their team.
It is still possible Newcastle could sign a new number one. But Dubravka seems committed to the club. He is under contract until 2025.
Dubravka spoke about his future and how the club’s new era should be exciting for fans.
“Yeah, I think it will be. We have shown how we have improved under this manager,” he said to Chronicle Live.
“Now we are already looking forward to next season and where we can finish, what we can achieve. I know that we are just at the beginning of the new era. But hopefully we can bring back the good times to Newcastle.”
This showcases the shot-stopper’s intent to stay at the club and fight for his place. He will no doubt help any defensive newcomers with his leadership in the coming season.
Dubravka on the upturn in form for Newcastle
The Magpies ended their season in style with an emphatic 2-1 win against Mike Jackson’s Burnley. This was a game that at the start of the season, was claimed to be a ‘relegation-decider’ – a fate Newcastle ultimately avoided ahead of schedule.
The goalkeeper also went on to talk about the Burnley match and spoke about the relentless attacks the Clarets produced in the dying embers of the match.
He added: “I knew I’d be busy! That’s what you expect from Burnley to try to beat us with long balls. But I’m just so happy we won the game.
“I had a feeling it would be like that. You could see they were going to give everything in the last 15 minutes. I think we defended so well and we were also so dangerous going forward. I was so happy we were safe with a few games to go.
“We’ve been able to give something to the fans who were amazing and always stay behind us. The win at Burnley showed how we have grown as a team, it shows our character too.
Newcastle’s major upturn in form was mainly thanks to the new signings brought in during the January transfer window.
The club spent around £90million and showcased their class in the second half of the season. The Slovakia international spoke about the previously touted ‘relegation decider’ between the Magpies and Burnley.
He further added: “People did talk about us going to Burnley as a decider maybe. But it was good to win it and in the second half of the season we showed we have quality players and we could get results when we needed them.
“We know where we were and we have come from a tough place. So to finish the season in 11th is massive for us.”
Newcastle have shown that miracles can happen this season after the club ended the season just outside the top 10. They will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with next season and ensure they provide headaches to the rest of the Premier League teams.
