Was Martin Dubravka ready to leave Newcastle United? (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Martin Dubravka has decided to stay at Newcastle United after the January transfer window, according to reports.
The Slovakian goalkeeper was expected to join the Saudi Al-Shabab club this month, with reports suggesting he had agreed to personal terms. according to Mail sportDubravka even began packing up his house and saying goodbye to his neighbors.
Following Newcastle's 2-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, he appeared to bid farewell to the club's fans. However, after the match, manager Eddie Howe and sporting director Paul Mitchell held talks, leading to new discussions with Dubravka over his future.
Dubravka stepped up in the absence of the injured Nick Pope, starting the last 10 matches, winning nine, keeping six clean sheets, and conceding only seven goals.
Although the 36-year-old's contract is set to expire at the end of the season, the new agreement is expected to include improved terms.
What did Eddie Howe say about Martin Dubravka's future?
“I think Martin was in a difficult situation, like any player whose contract expires in the summer.” Howe said earlier this month. “Always with any player I've worked with, there's always a sense of doubt. It's normal for him to want some conclusion in his future, whether it's a new contract with us or whatever the outcome.
“I think Martin has handled himself really well in this period, I think there has been a lot of noise, but when I look at him he is exactly the same,” Howe said. “I think he now has the experience in his career to be able to deal with those moments, and maybe as a younger player he would have found it more difficult.
“But he kept going really well, and I think he was very measured in his approach, he never let anything off the field affect his psyche, and I think he was one of the best players.”
