Newcastle United are preparing to welcome back a player who once stood at the heart of their defence and became a favourite at St James’ Park. When Burnley arrive on Saturday, they will bring with them Martin Dubravka, a goalkeeper whose time on Tyneside left a lasting impression and whose return will stir strong emotions among supporters who watched him guard their goal for more than seven years.
Dubravka signed for Newcastle in January 2018 from Sparta Prague, first on loan and then permanently after helping the team secure Premier League survival under Rafa Benitez.
Over the next four full seasons, he became Newcastle’s trusted number one, making 179 appearances and developing a reputation for reliability, quick reflexes and composure during tense moments.
For many fans, he became a symbol of stability during seasons when the club often found itself battling against the drop or dealing with uncertainty off the pitch.
Everything changed in the summer of 2022 when Nick Pope arrived from Burnley. His signing pushed Dubravka down the pecking order and led to a loan move to Manchester United.
That decision frustrated some Newcastle fans, especially because he left mid-season, but after making only two appearances for United, he returned to Tyneside and worked hard to rebuild trust. His professionalism, attitude and determination quickly won supporters over again.
Now at Burnley after joining them in August, Dubravka is preparing to walk out at St James’ Park as an opponent for the first time. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe expects he will be warmly welcomed, and spoke openly about the respect he has for the Slovakian goalkeeper.
Howe described him as an unbelievable professional and someone who carved out his own place in Newcastle history long before Howe arrived at the club.
He praised how dependable and composed Dubravka remained during difficult seasons and how often he helped keep Newcastle afloat during relegation battles.
Howe will likely not get the chance to speak to him after the game due to his own post-match demands, but believes the crowd will give Dubravka the recognition he deserves before hoping he has plenty of work to do during the ninety minutes.
Last season provided fresh evidence of Dubravka’s value when he stepped in to help Newcastle during one of their most important stretches of the campaign.
In January, he was preparing to leave for the Saudi Pro League to join Al Shabab, but everything changed when Nick Pope suffered a knee injury. With limited options, Howe turned back to Dubravka, and he did not disappoint.
His return to the starting lineup matched a nine-game winning run that helped Newcastle climb into the European places and carried them to the Carabao Cup final. Those performances convinced Dubravka to remain with the club, and he was rewarded with an improved contract.
However, that did not stop Newcastle from planning for the future. Howe remained determined to strengthen the goalkeeper position, and when Aaron Ramsdale arrived on loan from Southampton in the summer, Dubravka was told he could leave.
The club respected his professionalism and allowed him to pursue a new chapter, which led to his move to Burnley.
Howe still speaks highly of him, not only for what he did last season, but for the consistency he showed throughout some of the most challenging periods in Newcastle’s recent past.
He highlighted how Dubravka stepped up in key games, including the Carabao Cup semi-finals against Arsenal, and how he continuously delivered in pressure situations. Howe admires his character and calls him an outstanding person as well as an outstanding goalkeeper.
Supporters feel the same way. Dubravka’s connection with the Newcastle fanbase has always been strong, built on years of crucial saves, loyalty during difficult times and a calm presence between the posts.
His journey included moments of frustration, but he always returned with professionalism and commitment, which fans have never forgotten.
When he steps onto the pitch on Saturday wearing Burnley colours, it will be a strange sight for many inside St James’ Park. Yet the appreciation for what he gave the club remains deep.
Newcastle fans are expected to applaud him loudly, recognising both his achievements and his character. After that, the focus will shift back to the match itself, where Newcastle will hope to make his afternoon as difficult as possible.
For Dubravka, the occasion will mark a full-circle moment a chance to revisit the stadium where he built his Premier League legacy. For Newcastle supporters, it is an opportunity to show gratitude to a player who served them with distinction.
And for both sides, it will be a reminder of how football careers twist, evolve and sometimes bring familiar faces back home, even if only for one afternoon.
