Eddie Howe recently spoke about the futures of Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie with Nick Pope being Newcastle United’s first-choice goalkeeper, admitting he didn’t want to lose any of his shot-stoppers.
But with four players competing for one spot, Chris Waugh of The Athletic says at least one goalkeeper will have to be sold and there’s a case to be made for all three of the outcasts.
Read Newcastle have said Darlow could be the one let go as he’s gone from being second-choice to third-choice this season, but Dubravka must be in a difficult spot too.
The 33-year-old has now lost his place to Pope in the starting lineup, so he could spend the season as an unused substitute. That won’t appeal to Dubravka who’s in the eve of his career, but there’s no guarantee he’ll push for an immediate exit after four years at Newcastle.
Howe revealed that he waited until 24 hours before the Magpies’ opening Premier League game to start Pope ahead of Dubravka, so his goalkeeper pecking order may not be set in stone.
If Darlow is sold, Dubravka will have to stay as cover. But suitors might start queuing up if they hear the 33-year-old is available, so Darlow may have to be the one to stay.
In other news, Jonjo Shelvey injury could threaten Newcastle future
