Newcastle United star's potential 'goodbye' opens up interesting squad adjustment for Eddie Howe

Lee Ryder

12 June 2024 at 7:42 am·2-min read

Martin Dubravka made an emotional farewell to some of his team-mates after Newcastle United's last day of the season against Brentford - knowing he could have played the final game of his Toon career back in May.

The Magpies have signalled their intent in the goalkeeping department by making a move for Burnley's James Trafford and remain in talks for the England Under-21 stopper. The Clarets want more than the £16million on offer for his services. But any such breakthrough will almost certainly spell the end for Dubravka on Tyneside, something he is acutely aware of, hence his round of potential goodbyes to team-mates after the 4-2 win against the Bees, an encounter he was benched for.

Dubravka has been linked with Celtic but no offer is on the table as things stand from Parkhead. His contract runs out in 2025 and his representatives have held dialogue with Newcastle and Eddie Howe over what happens next.

At 35, Dubravka feels he is worthy of a number 1 slot in the Premier League or at a European club. One of the reasons the Dubravka party are open-minded about his future is because they know a strong showing at the European Championships from the ex-Sparta Prague keeper could unlock a few doors to interested clubs.

If Dubravka was made to stay at Newcastle, should United hit trouble with the Trafford deal, his agent will ask for an improved contract given he will be deemed as a back-up option to Nick Pope. Indeed, they want to be compensated for all eventualities.

Dubravka and his Slovakia team-mates face clashes with Belgium, Ukraine and Romania in Group E of the Euros. Their first game kicks off at 5pm on Monday against 16/1 priced Belgium. Slovakia have odds as long as 500/1 with some bookies to win it.