Newcastle United in contract talks after transfer U-turn & ‘verbal agreement’ with £20M-rated star

Newcastle United has entered contract discussions with Martin Dúbravka, ensuring his commitment to the club despite a transfer opportunity earlier in the month.

The 36-year-old goalkeeper had a move lined up to join Al-Shabab, but with him occupying the starting role at St. James’ Park, Newcastle refused to sanction his departure. Now, with his current deal set to expire in the summer, the club has opened negotiations for an extension.

Eddie Howe confirmed the ongoing talks, emphasizing that Dúbravka remains focused solely on his performances rather than securing assurances about his place in the squad.

The Magpies have shown strong form with the Slovakian in goal, but Nick Pope’s return from a seven-week injury absence adds another layer of competition for the starting spot.

Despite Pope historically being Howe’s preferred option when fit, the head coach maintains that selections will be based purely on merit.

Although Dúbravka is currently content with his role, Newcastle continues its search for reinforcements in the goalkeeper position.

The club pursued James Trafford last summer, verbally agreeing to terms with the Burnley shot-stopper, but failed to reach an agreement with his club. Newcastle’s £16 million bid was rejected, and while the deal fell through, the Magpies have continued to monitor Trafford’s progress with an eye on making another approach in the summer transfer window.

Trafford has been outstanding in the Championship, keeping 19 clean sheets in 28 matches this season. His performances have further cemented his reputation, particularly after making headlines for saving two late penalties in a crucial 0-0 draw with Sunderland.

With his stock rising, the 22-year-old’s valuation stands at around £20 million, though Burnley’s potential promotion could see his price increase further.

As it stands, Newcastle currently has five goalkeepers in the first-team squad. Alongside Dúbravka and Pope, the roster includes Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, and Mark Gillespie.

Vlachodimos, like Dúbravka, received an offer from Al-Shabab but opted to stay in Europe. However, his first-team prospects remain limited at St. James’ Park.

Since arriving in a £20 million deal from Nottingham Forest last summer, he has managed just one substitute appearance, making his role largely peripheral unless an injury crisis forces a reshuffle.

With Pope back in contention, the battle for the number one spot is heating up. Howe has kept faith in Dúbravka, even with Pope available, but the decision over who starts between the posts will become increasingly difficult as the season progresses.

While Pope has historically been the first-choice option when fit, Howe insists that performances will dictate his selections, rather than reputation or past preferences.

Newcastle’s approach reflects a blend of short-term stability and long-term planning. Retaining Dúbravka ensures that the club maintains a reliable option in goal, but scouting and tracking a potential successor like Trafford signals an awareness of the need for futureproofing.

If Newcastle does make a move for Trafford in the summer, it could reshape the club’s goalkeeping hierarchy, potentially prompting further exits within the squad.

Despite the competition for places, Newcastle’s goalkeeping situation remains relatively settled for now. With Pope and Dúbravka as the two realistic options for Premier League matches, Howe has the luxury of rotating based on form and performance levels.

However, with contract talks underway and summer transfer plans already forming, the coming months could be pivotal in shaping the club’s long-term vision for the position.