Newcastle Opinion: Why should the Magpies hold on to Dubravka?
According to Daily Mail, Newcastle United goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka, has been linked with a move away from St James Park, with the report claiming that Manchester United and Tottenham are in the pursuit of the Slovak. (h/t Daily Mail)
The 30-year-old was exceptional for the Magpies last season and has a contract with the club until 2022.
Dubravka – a player that Magpies shouldn’t lose
The Slovak joined Newcastle permanently last summer after a short loan spell. Dubravka went on to become then-manager Rafa Benitez’s No.1 and put out some terrific displays.
Besides pushing Karl Darlow down the pecking order, the former Sparta Prague man kept 11 clean sheets, which was the sixth-highest in the Premier League, beating the likes of Kasper Schmeichel, Bernd Leno and David De Gea.
In fact, Dubravka proved to be a revelation for the Magpies last season, which in turn helped him bag Newcastle United’s Player of the Season award.
Having been a regular for the Slovakia national team, Dubravka has earned 19 caps until now.
The Magpies are in limbo as they contemplate over replacements for Benitez, who sought an exit to China. And Dubravka’s exit would only add injury to their woes.
Given that Darlow has become susceptible to injuries, which led him to the fringes, the Magpies don’t have much bench strength as of now.
Freddie Woodman, the English U21 shot-stopper, is a promising prospect but it would be risky to bet on the youngster prematurely.
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With that being said, Newcastle should hold on to the Slovak No.1 without any further option.
Final verdict
The Magpies made a bargain with the transfer of Dubravka as he certainly exceeded the expectations. While the Slovak appears to be in sublime form, it would be a terrible move should Newcastle let him go this summer.