Martin Dubravka’s stance on signing Newcastle United contract after Paul Mitchell U-turn

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Everything looked set for Martin Dubravka to become the first player sold by Newcastle United in 2025.

After starring in Newcastle United’s 2-0 win over Arsenal on Tuesday, Martin Dubravka waved goodbye to fans in what seemed to be an emotional farewell.

Reports suggest Dubravka was set to leave imminently with Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab striking a deal to sign the 35-year-old goalkeeper.

However, despite reports from Saudi suggesting a deal was done, Luke Edwards confirmed Dubrvaka’s exit is not yet sealed.

Eddie Howe wants to keep Dubravka after he has starred in the recent winning streak and it seems sporting director Paul Mitchell is now in agreement.

Newcastle United will persuade Martin Dubravka to stay

It looked as though Dubravka would have raised £6m for Newcastle if he was sold to Saudi, which could help the club escape their PSR problems.

But equally, Martin Dubravka has been in brilliant form and with Nick Pope still injured, he has been the first-choice shot-stopper in recent weeks. Replacing him would have been even more expensive.

According to Craig Hope at the Daily Mail, Newcastle now want Dubravka to stay despite his move to Saudi appearing imminent.

The report claims both Howe and Mitchell agree that keeping Dubravka is in Newcastle’s best interest. There is very little financial incentive to his sale and he has become an important member of the squad.

Dubravka’s deal expires this summer meaning he would leave as a free agent at the end of the season unless he signs a new contract. That, however, seems unlikely.

Martin Dubravka does not want to sign new Newcastle deal

Keeping Dubravka beyond January means he will likely leave for free and Newcastle will miss out on the £6m fee they are set to collect from Saudi.

Hope’s report from above claims that a new contract is unlikely as it is thought that Dubravka does not want a new deal.

It is added that Newcastle could negotiate some reward for Dubravka staying, but as it stands a new contract is not on the cards.

Hope adds that there has not been a “definite decision” made on Dubravka’s future. While Newcastle chiefs were previously happy for him to leave Tyneside this month, Pope’s injury has changed everything.

Newcastle are interested in James Trafford as a potential replacement for Dubravka. It is yet to be seen how that story progresses if Dubravka stays put.