Newcastle Confront Key Transfer Dilemma Over Eddie Howe’s Trusted Player
The Magpies May Need to Sell Players Before Making New Signings
Martin Dúbravka has yet to finalize a deal with Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab, but the coming week will be pivotal for his Newcastle United future.
Sources close to Dúbravka have downplayed reports from Saudi Arabia suggesting that Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal could mark his final appearance for Newcastle.
There are indications that the club may make a late effort to retain him, potentially offering a contract extension to convince him to stay at St. James’ Park.
Dúbravka’s performances in the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope, who has been sidelined for six weeks, have been exceptional.
He achieved three consecutive clean sheets before Newcastle’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite the arrival of summer signing Odysseas Vlachodimos, Dúbravka has remained the preferred choice in goal.
Vlachodimos, an expensive acquisition, was part of the deal that sent Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest to ensure Newcastle complied with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
A move to Al-Shabab, however, remains a strong possibility. One source told The i Paper that the likelihood of Dúbravka joining the Saudi club is “60/40.”
Al-Shabab’s incoming sporting director, Pavel Nedvěd, is a known admirer of the Slovakian international.
The proposed deal includes a two-year contract with higher wages than he currently earns at Newcastle, the assurance of a first-choice goalkeeper role, and an opportunity to maintain his position in Slovakia’s national team ahead of World Cup qualifiers.
Newcastle is also monitoring Burnley and England Under-21 goalkeeper James Trafford, who was close to joining the club last summer.
Dúbravka’s potential departure presents a challenge for Newcastle’s director of football, Paul Mitchell.
Tasked with improving the club’s transfer dealings, Mitchell must balance financial prudence with the team’s competitive needs.
Manager Eddie Howe, however, is keen to keep Dúbravka, particularly with uncertainty surrounding Pope’s fitness.
Pope’s return date remains unclear, and he is expected to miss upcoming matches against Bromley and Wolves.
On Monday, Howe acknowledged the tough decisions the club faces in the January transfer window.
“The business logic is taking over from the football logic,” Howe admitted.
“We had to sell two highly promising young players in June due to PSR compliance.
That is very much the business side overtaking the football side, and we are still in that position.”
Insiders describe Newcastle’s PSR situation as complicated, with new signings dependent on player departures.
This financial balancing act has complicated a move for Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, an outstanding prospect who is also a target for Manchester City.
Mitchell is a strong advocate for the center-back, but his acquisition would necessitate outgoing transfers—either in January or before the “soft” PSR deadline of June 30.
The club remains committed to avoiding a repeat of last summer’s situation, which saw the forced sales of Anderson and Yankuba Minteh.
