Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is close to leaving St James’ Park in the January transfer window, according to Ben Jacobs.
The transfer expert claimed on X that there is a “verbal agreement” in place for the 35-year-old goalkeeper, and the move is close to a “done deal”.
Dubravka has yet to sign the deal with the Saudi Pro League club. Eddie Howe could try to change his mind, and the Magpies boss rates him highly.
However, Al-Shabab are confident that the deal will go through shortly.
Newcastle United need to sign a new goalkeeper if Dubravka leaves
The Magpies are flying high at the moment, and they are aiming for a top-four finish.
Howe needs help in the market, but Newcastle cannot spend freely due to PSR threats.
They need to offload players to free up space and wages for potential new arrivals. Dubravka, who is on £40k-per-week wages, is likely to leave this month.
The problem with Newcastle is that Nick Pope, the first-choice keeper, is also currently injured.
Dubravka has made five starts in the Premier League, and Howe doesn’t want to lose him now. At the same time, it makes a lot of sense to offload him and get his wages off the books.
Exclusive: Martin Dubravka to Al-Shabab close to a done deal. Now a verbal agreement in place with the #NUFC keeper. Nothing signed, and #NUFC could yet try and change Dubravka's mind given Eddie Howe rates him highly, but Al-Shabab confident the move will be formalised soon.🧤 pic.twitter.com/CgiRSxSkD7
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 7, 2025
Newcastle have John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie, and Odysseas Vlachodimos as other goalkeepers, but none of them are likely to take Pope’s position in the short or long term.
The Magpies have been frequently linked with a move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, and they could move for him if Dubravka leaves.
Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden is almost certain to leave the club this month, but his potential destination is still unknown.
Another player who could depart this month is defender Matt Targett, who is attracting interest from Frankfurt and Anderlecht.
Newcastle are interested in signing Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling, but he won’t come cheap.
