New twist in Martin Dubravka saga as shock claims emerge on Saudi bid

Martin Dubravka’s prospective move to Saudi Arabia has taken another twist in what has been a far from straightforward saga.

Prior to Nick Pope’s knee injury in December, an imminent exit suited all parties with the Slovakian having just played one half of football this season, being subbed off at half-time for Odysseas Vlachodimos in the 1-0 victory over Wimbledon.

The recent resurgence of Newcastle’s number two already raised questions about whether the club should accept a miniscule fee for the 35-year-old before his contract expires in the summer - but further developments have made the situation even more confusing.

Dubravka 'fee' goes public 

The justification for allowing Dubravka to leave was to help ease the financial burdens forced upon Newcastle and Premier League clubs alike by the PSR regulations. However, it now appears that a transfer to Al-Shabab would NOT include a fee.

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards revealed the following on X: 'Newcastle are trying to convince him to stay. Understand there would be no fee involved if Dubravka left now which means no business or football logic in letting him leave this month.'

This is a surprise after suggestion the Saudi offer was between £5-£8m. For me, allowing him to leave for free when still under contract for six months would put the needs of the individual above the needs of the football club.

If we want or need Dubravka on the books for the remainder of the season - Eddie Howe has made it clear he wants him to stay - then we should not be allowing him to exit on a free, especially when he's played a big role in our recent run of form.

Dubravka would be on a more lucrative contract than he is currently, and I wouldn’t begrudge him at all for wanting what would be his last big payday at 35. But Newcastle need him now and we don’t gain anything from the move.

If it's true that a January move to Al-Shabab would not help our PSR situation, it would be bad business and an odd move from us to let the deal to go through.

Howe's stance clear in today's press conference

After saying it would be "his wish" to see Dubravka sign a new deal after Tuesday's 2-0 win at Arsenal, Eddie Howe made his opinions clear on the Slovakian's form and future at the club.

Speaking to the media this morning, Howe had this to say on it all:

“Martin has never said he wants to leave. He’s been a very, very good professional for us. It’s difficult when Nick is playing and Martin isn’t. He’s waited for his chance and he has had to stay ready.

“He’s performed well and that’s down to his training levels. Whatever the weather, he’s there. You can see what Newcastle means to him emotionally. All these things will be playing a part for him.

“I think it will help [Newcastle and Martin playing well]. The team is in a good moment and he’s in a good moment. He knows he’s a part of that. The main focus is on Martin’s future. We need to clear that up with just six months left on his contract.

“I’m not totally up to date [with contract situation] with everything so I don’t want to tell you any lies. Hopefully we can come to some sort of agreement with him. We want to keep him. Talks are ongoing”

‘Heco’ has conceded just two goals in his last seven appearances, with five clean sheets in that time he has also offered a calm presence with the ball at his feet. 

Football changes fast, and Dubravka’s stock internally has skyrocketed in the last month. He is more valuable to us now than he was when talks of a move to Saudi Arabia, and we must act with our own best interests.