Newcastle United’s goalkeeper shakeup is expected to continue this summer.
It has been a busy few days in that department for the Magpies, with two new goalkeepers arriving at St James’ Park ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Odysseas Vlachodimos has signed for Newcastle United from Nottingham Forest, with the Greece international’s arrival coinciding with Elliot Anderson moving the other way. He looks set to be the number two stopper on Tyneside, despite suggestions that he will challenge Nick Pope for the number one jersey.
The Magpies also announced that John Ruddy has signed for the club this week, with the 37-year-old arriving on a free transfer to provide more depth and valuable experience.
Newcastle discuss Martin Dubravka exit
Their arrivals have raised questions about Martin Dubravka‘s role at St James’ Park – and they are questions that he has been seeking answers to himself.
It was previously reported that Newcastle are prepared to move Dubravka on this summer. That was when James Trafford looked set to join the Magpies, but that deal is now off following the arrival of Vlachodimos.
However, it does not look like their stance over Dubravka has changed.
That is according to the Chronicle, who report that a ‘cash sale’ is now likely. They add that Newcastle United have held talks with Dubravka’s agent over the past couple of days about his future.
Fresh start required for Dubravka after Newcastle’s transfer business
It looks inevitable that it will be a future away from Tyneside, with the 35-year-old falling further down the pecking order now that Vlachodimos has joined the club.
And with just one year left to run on his contract, it feels like the right time for Dubravka and the Magpies to part ways. After playing most of the season due to Pope’s injury, the Slovakian is going to struggle for minutes during the 2024/25 campaign.
On top of that, it was also clear during his spell in the side that he is not suited to Eddie Howe’s style of play, and that resulted in some disappointing performances from the formerly dependable stopper. Strong showings were few and far between, with one of them coming in an FA Cup victory over Blackburn that saw Alan Shearer describe the Toon goalkeeper as ‘wonderful‘.
But those wonderful moments were rare. A fresh start is required, with Celtic one of the clubs that have been linked with signing Dubravka. The Chronicle have suggested that Newcastle could get a fee from whoever signs Dubravka, but it is hard to believe it will be very big given his age and contract situation.
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