Transfer: Newcastle United star set to leave with £4M star to follow after transfer deal triggered

Newcastle United’s veteran goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka, could be bidding farewell to the club this summer as the return of Nick Pope, following his recovery from injury, casts uncertainty over Dubravka’s future.

During Pope’s absence of five months due to a dislocated shoulder, Dubravka admirably held the fort as a regular feature in the Newcastle squad. However, despite his contributions, the 35-year-old, with only a year remaining on his contract, is contemplating a departure from the club to secure consistent first-team opportunities elsewhere.

Reports from iNews suggest that Dubravka has piqued the interest of clubs in the Saudi Pro League. With this development, Newcastle United is reportedly mulling over the prospect of offloading the goalkeeper. Since his permanent transfer from Sparta Prague in 2018 for £4 million, Dubravka has amassed 159 appearances for the Magpies.

Newcastle United’s goalkeeping scenario is shrouded in uncertainty, especially with Loris Karius poised to depart upon the expiration of his contract in June. Nevertheless, the club has secured the services of their fourth-choice goalkeeper, Mark Gillespie, for another year after triggering an extension option in his contract.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Newcastle is faced with the task of assessing potential replacements for both Dubravka and Karius. Among the names under consideration is Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has been scouted by the club. Additionally, there have been murmurs linking Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale to Newcastle, particularly given his prior collaboration with Eddie Howe during their time at AFC Bournemouth.

Contract Situations at Newcastle United

As the summer approaches, it’s pertinent to review the contract situations of key players at Newcastle United:

Loris Karius – Contract Until 2024: Despite signing a one-year extension last summer, Karius has seen limited action, featuring in just one Premier League match since his renewal.

Kell Watts – Contract Until 2024: Currently on loan at Wigan Athletic, Watts’s contract with Newcastle is set to expire in the summer.

Jeff Hendrick – Contract Until 2024: Hendrick remains under contract with Newcastle until the end of the season; however, his stint with the club seems to be drawing to a close, as he is currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.

Paul Dummett – Contract Until 2024: Having signed a one-year extension last summer, Dummett’s tenure with Newcastle is secured for the foreseeable future.

Lewis Hall – 2024, Set to Cement His Place: Lewis Hall, initially on loan from Chelsea, is poised to secure a permanent spot at Newcastle, as his loan deal is expected to transition into a permanent contract. While the specifics of his contract duration remain undisclosed, Hall’s performance-related obligation to buy clause indicates a promising future at the club.

Mark Gillespie – A Prolonged Wait (2025): Despite signing for Newcastle four years ago, Mark Gillespie is yet to make his Premier League debut. Nevertheless, the club has extended his contract until 2025, underscoring their faith in his potential contributions.

Matt Ritchie – Contract Security (2024): Matt Ritchie’s tenure at Newcastle received a boost with a three-year contract extension in 2020, augmented by an option for a further year, which the club exercised during the recent summer transfer window.

Jamaal Lascelles – Extended Stay (2025): Newcastle skipper Jamaal Lascelles remains a pivotal figure, as evidenced by the club’s decision to trigger a one-year extension on his existing six-year contract, ensuring his presence for the upcoming season.

Emil Krafth – Overcoming Adversity (2025): Emil Krafth’s journey at Newcastle encountered a setback with a severe knee injury sidelining him for a significant portion of the 2022-23 campaign. However, the Swedish defender has battled back to fitness, earning another one-year extension to continue contributing to the team.

Fabian Schar – Securing Defensive Stability (2025): Fabian Schar’s commitment to Newcastle’s defensive line is underscored by a recent contract extension until 2025, solidifying his role within the squad.

Jamal Lewis – Loaned Out Potential (2025): Currently on loan at Watford, Jamal Lewis remains an integral part of Newcastle’s long-term plans, having penned a five-year deal upon his arrival from Norwich City in 2020.

Jay Turner-Cooke – Embracing Continuity (2025): Jay Turner-Cooke’s allegiance to Newcastle is evident through his two-year contract extension in 2023, reflecting the club’s faith in his potential contributions to their future endeavors.

As Newcastle United navigates through the complexities of contract negotiations and player acquisitions, the landscape of the team’s roster continues to evolve, with each decision shaping the club’s trajectory on the Premier League stage.