Martin Dubravka’s potential transfer to Saudi Arabia has taken one other twist in what has been a removed from simple saga.
Previous to Nick Pope’s knee damage in December, an imminent exit suited all events with the Slovakian having simply performed one half of soccer this season, being subbed off at half-time for Odysseas Vlachodimos within the 1-0 victory over Wimbledon.
The latest resurgence of Newcastle’s quantity two already raised questions on whether or not the membership ought to settle for a miniscule price for the 35-year-old earlier than his contract expires in the summertime – however additional developments have made the state of affairs much more complicated.
The justification for permitting Dubravka to depart was to assist ease the monetary burdens compelled upon Newcastle and Premier League golf equipment alike by the PSR rules. Nonetheless, it now seems {that a} switch to Al-Shabab would NOT embrace a price.
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards revealed the next on X: ‘Newcastle are attempting to persuade him to remain. Perceive there can be no price concerned if Dubravka left now which suggests no enterprise or soccer logic in letting him depart this month.’
This can be a shock after suggestion the Saudi supply was between £5-£8m. For me, permitting him to depart without cost when nonetheless beneath contract for six months would put the wants of the person above the wants of the soccer membership.
If we wish or want Dubravka on the books for the rest of the season – Eddie Howe has made it clear he desires him to remain – then we shouldn’t be permitting him to exit on a free, particularly when he’s performed a giant function in our latest run of type.
Dubravka can be on a extra profitable contract than he’s presently, and I wouldn’t begrudge him in any respect for wanting what can be his final huge payday at 35. However Newcastle want him now and we don’t achieve something from the transfer.
If it’s true {that a} January transfer to Al-Shabab wouldn’t assist our PSR state of affairs, it could be unhealthy enterprise and an odd transfer from us to let the deal to undergo.
After saying it could be “his want” to see Dubravka signal a brand new deal after Tuesday’s 2-0 win at Arsenal, Eddie Howe made his opinions clear on the Slovakian’s type and future on the membership.
Chatting with the media this morning, Howe had this to say on all of it:
“Martin has by no means mentioned he desires to depart. He’s been a really, excellent skilled for us. It’s troublesome when Nick is enjoying and Martin isn’t. He’s waited for his likelihood and he has needed to keep prepared.
“He’s carried out nicely and that’s all the way down to his coaching ranges. Regardless of the climate, he’s there. You may see what Newcastle means to him emotionally. All these items will likely be enjoying a component for him.
“I believe it’ll assist [Newcastle and Martin playing well]. The crew is in a superb second and he’s in a superb second. He is aware of he’s part of that. The primary focus is on Martin’s future. We have to clear that up with simply six months left on his contract.
“I’m not completely updated [with contract situation] with every part so I don’t wish to inform you any lies. Hopefully we will come to some type of settlement with him. We wish to hold him. Talks are ongoing”
‘Heco’ has conceded simply two targets in his final seven appearances, with 5 clear sheets in that point he has additionally supplied a peaceful presence with the ball at his ft.
Soccer adjustments quick, and Dubravka’s inventory internally has skyrocketed within the final month. He’s extra priceless to us now than he was when talks of a transfer to Saudi Arabia, and we should act with our personal finest pursuits.