Newcastle complete Dubravka signing

Slovak keeper Martin Dubravka has finally made his move to Newcastle permanent, agreeing to a four-year contract to stay at the club, following his successful loan-spell.

Dubravka solidifies a position that had been a concern since knee injuries wiped out first Tim Krul and then Rob Elliot back in 2015/16, with Matz Sels and Karl Darlow having been unconvincing since then, a sentiment echoed by manager Rafa Benitez, who described goalkeeper as “one of the key positions we needed to strengthen.”

Rafa also added that the loan move had worked out well, calling it “the perfect deal for the club.”

”It is credit to [managing director] Lee Charnley and also Steve Nickson [head of recruitment] for putting that in place because it gave me and my staff the opportunity to look at him and work with him, and see how he would perform for us before committing to signing him permanently.”

Dubravka made 12 appearances last season for Newcastle, conceding just 11 goals, keeping 4 clean sheets, including his debut performance against Manchester United, and Newcastle’s final day drubbing of Chelsea.

We look forward to more games with Dubravka in net!