Martin Dubravka looks on his way out of Newcastle United this summer and Eddie Howe admitted he was “sad” to be losing the 33-year-old, telling Sky Sports: “From my perspective, I’m sad if Martin does leave, sad to see him go.
“It’s not something we wanted as a football club, but we understand there are always two sides to every story.” Dubravka lost his starting place this season after the arrival of Nick Pope, so it appears he’s become disillusioned at St James’ Park.
And while he won’t be first-choice at Manchester United either, the Slovakian international clearly felt this was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down. He’s spent the season as an unused substitute, not even getting minutes in the EFL Cup, so few could blame him for leaving.
Newcastle can handle him going too, as Howe has Karl Darlow waiting in the wings for an opportunity. The 31-year-old made the bench in Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers and should now be their No.2 for the season in Dubravka’s absence.
It’s sad to see a player go from being first-choice to an outcast in a matter of months, but Newcastle’s ambition will mean they sign upgrades on existing players. Dubravka is only joining United on loan, but there is the option for him to turn the move permanent if he makes a certain amount of appearances.
In other news, could Alexander Isak make his debut against Liverpool?
