Howe reveals Paul Mitchell talks as Toon boss hopes for transfer U-turn

by Olly Hawkins · Published 8 January 2025, 07:00

It's been some month for Martin Dubravka, who will end his time on Tyneside on one almighty high should he leave for Saudi Arabia in the coming days.

Since stepping in for Nick Pope over the past seven games, he's helped us to seven wins, conceding just twice and keeping five clean sheets in the process.

The latest shutout came in Tuesday night's massive 2-0 win at Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, but will it be his last for our £4m bargain Benitez signed back in 2018?

Howe issues Dubravka update ahead of Mitchell talks

Speaking after the game, Eddie Howe was asked if that was Martin Dubravka's final game for the club after the 35-year-old got emotional in front of the 6,000 away fans after the full-time whistle.

Saudi club Al-Shaba are thought to be closing in on a deal, according to reports in the Middle-East and some closer to home, yet Howe remains keen to see the Slovakian sign a new contract and revealed that he'll be speaking to sporting director Paul Mitchell about his future.

Howe's reply was telling when asked if he's pushing for an extension, saying "that would be my wish," suggesting he hopes to see the goalkeeper sign a new deal, not depart for the Saudi Pro League.

He added, "I certainly hope so" when asked if Dubravka will still be here for the second leg. However, it does feel like the club's 'business decision' will be to receive a fee now and allow him to secure a big pay day in Saudi, opposed to losing him on a free this summer.

Asked for his thoughts on the situation, Howe added: “I’ve got nothing to add on that. With Martin, we’ve been preparing for this game, and we’ve had a lot of games in quick succession, so I’ve not spoken to anybody about that.

"He’s playing very, very well, and certainly from my side, I wouldn’t want to lose him at all. But I genuinely know nothing. I’ve been head down, into the game. I’m sure I’ll speak to Paul (Mitchell,) at some stage."

Journalist reveals 'verbal agreement'

Howe may make one last push to keep him at the club if a new deal could be agreed, but it sounds like he's almost gone.

Not only did we see what looked like an emotional wave goodbye to Newcastle fans last night, there was this Tuesday night update from transfer journalist Ben Jacobs:

'Martin Dubravka to Al-Shabab close to a done deal. Now a verbal agreement in place with the keeper. Nothing signed, and #NUFC could yet try and change Dubravka's mind given Eddie Howe rates him highly, but Al-Shabab confident the move will be formalised soon.'

He's 35, out of contract in the summer and is probably receiving one last big pay-day in Saudi. Not only that, it's likely he reverts to a back-up role once Nick Pope is fit again.

For Newcastle, it's our last chance to receive a decent fee if he's not signing a new deal and otherwise due to leave on a free this summer - and we MUST become better sellers within the world of PSR.

With all that in mind, it feels like he's off - unless Howe's talks with Mitchell do lead to an unlikely U-turn!