Newcastle complete January U-turn after ‘positive talks’ and £10m move imminent

The future of two Newcastle United players has become clear as the January transfer window approaches its concluding stage.

Martin Dubravka has found himself embroiled in a saga of many twists and turns this winter. The Slovakian seemed set to exit early in the window, before a Nick Pope injury in December saw a resurgence in between the sticks for Dubravka.

Out of contract in the summer, Dubravka’s long-term position appears not to be on Tyneside regardless - but the latest update paints a clear picture on where his immediate future will lie, with another player nearing the exit door to close a separate ordeal.

Dubravka set to STAY...for now

In his latest exclusive for The Mail, Craig Hope has issued a significant update on the future of Dubravka and Miguel Almiron.

The Magpies have undergone positive talks with Dubravka and the 36-year-old will remain at Newcastle for the remainder of the season on improved terms.  The Slovakian’s move to Al-Shabab that was near completion this month and is considered ‘on hold’.

Hope even reveals that Dubravka had began to pack for a move to Saudi Arabia in early 2025 and said goodbye to neighbours, but it seems a move to the Middle East is likely to take place this summer.

Now undoubtedly challenging Pope for the starting spot, it made 'no footballing sense' to let the shot-stopper leave without a fee, and weaken our first team squad in the process.

Pope should be back for Saturday’s meeting with Southampton provided he comes through training unscathed and the two will battle it out for No. 1 for the rest of 2025/26. It seems Dubravka has a payrise, so a deal should suit all parties (apart from possibly Al-Shabab!)

Almiron exit on course

Hope's piece also reports that Almiron is on course to rejoin his former side Atlanta United 'this week' in a deal worth £10m, making it very likely the Paraguayan has played his last game for Newcastle.

As it stands, the 30-year-old’s last contribution was a 12 minute cameo off the bench against Wolves after an unimpressive final season - his sixth on Tyneside after he joined from Atlanta in January 2019 - with no goals or assists in 2025/26.

Similarly to Dubravka it’s an exit that has been touted since the start of the month, however it being completed at this late stage makes it that bit more unlikely we sign a replacement this month. Risky, potentially in case of injury, but we won’t be pushed too hard to replace Miggy’s output this season.