Craig Hope of the Daily Mail claims that despite Martin Dubravka’s desire to join the Saudi Arabian team Al-Shabab, Newcastle United is trying to convince him to stay at St. James’ Park for the remainder of the season.
With Nick Pope out and Dubby helping the Magpies climb up the table and have a foot and a half into the Carabao Cup Final after their 2-0 thumping of Arsenal earlier this week, Hope reported on Thursday that everyone in Newcastle’s hierarchy, including manager Eddie Howe and sporting director Paul Mitchell, agrees on the significance of keeping the Slovakian international on the field.
Dubravka, who turns 36 this month and has a contract expiring next summer, has been essential while Nick Pope has been sidelined by injury.
With Newcastle now aiming for a possible Carabao Cup title and making a serious push for Champions League qualification, Howe likes his recent efforts.
Even though Dubravka appears to have a contract on his table to finalize a mid-season move to Saudi Arabia, the club hopes to reverse that mindset despite his sad gesture to fans after the game at the Emirates Stadium suggesting he may have psychologically checked out.
Hope stated, “There was a sense this week that the club’s leadership might be prepared to approve the goalie’s transfer to Saudi Arabia, despite Eddie Howe’s wishes.” Nonetheless, we recognize that everyone in St. James’ Park is in agreement and wants Dubravka to stay, considering that he is in the team right now and doing a great job.
The position is made more difficult by the prospect of a lucrative contract with the Saudi, particularly as Dubravka may return to a supporting role if Pope returns later this month.
Naturally, Newcastle has no financial incentive if Dubravka departs now or in July, but the implications of an exit during the Premier League season and the Carabao Cup semi-finals, not to mention Pope’s absence and his impending return to form and peak form, could have disastrous consequences.
“Howe and sporting director Paul Mitchell are reportedly understanding of Dubravka’s predicament, and the player wants to act morally,” Hope stated. However, it is anticipated that an attempt will be made to keep him at St. James’ Park until the summer because there is very little financial reason to let him go now and he is crucial to the team.
Dubravka is apparently not interested in extending his tenure, thus it is unlikely that he would sign a new deal. To retain him for the rest of the season, Newcastle might look at other incentives, if only to have a seasoned and reliable backup goalkeeper while Pope returns to his typical starting position.
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