Martin Dubravka explains what happened in January transfer window and what his situation is now | OneFootball

Martin Dubravka has been speaking to Sky Sports about what his position is now, as well as what happened in the January transfer window.

The goalkeeper has now been at St James’ Park for over seven years, one of Rafa Benitez’ many superb signings on a ridiculously tight (Mike Ashley) budget.

Martin Dubravka speaking to Keith Downie of Sky Sports and revealing that he is close to signing a contract extension to stay at Newcastle United.

The now 36 year old also confirming that there was a concrete offer made from Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab in January but the keeper saying he never wanted to leave despite his current NUFC contract set to run out on 30 June 2025;  “I want to stay here as long as I can, I love the club.”

Fate and opportunity intervened of course, injury to Nick Pope gave Martin Dubravka his chance and with the team also playing so well in front of him, the in-form keeper has made 13 starts (4-0 v Leicester onwards) in a row with Newcastle winning 11 of them, Dubravka keeping a clean sheet in seven of the 13.

Things of course getting interesting now, as Nick Pope finally got his chance after recovering from injury and was excellent in the 3-2 win at Birmingham, making some great saves and having no chance with the two goals.

Interesting to see what Eddie Howe now does, with a run of such key matches coming up, however, a great position to be in that he has two very good goalkeepers fighting it out to be selected.

Martin Dubravka talking to Sky Sports – 13 February 2025:

“There was a specific offer on the table (from Al-Shabab) and discussions from early December, but I always said to Newcastle ‘it’s basically up to you what you want to do’.

“I still had a contract, my mindset was still here and I was playing. So I said to the gaffer, ‘I don’t want to think about whether I’m leaving or not, I just want to make the most of my time on the pitch.’

“I’ve done that and now we’re in talks over a new contract.

“If we sign the extension then I’ll be happy.

“I want to stay here as long as I can, I love the club.

“I sat down with the club and we made the decision together that the best for both parties was to stay here.

“I think the manager and Sporting Director respected the fact I didn’t push my way out.

“I showed that I was committed and wanted to stay.

“Maybe that’s why they opened the conversation to extend my contract.