It’s finally official – Martin Dubravka has completed a deadline day move to Manchester United.
As revealed by Sky Sports, the Slovakian has joined on an initial loan deal, which includes an option to buy AND an obligation to make the move permanent – for £6m – should he play a certain number of Premier League games over the 2022/23 season.
Manchester United have paid a £2m loan fee, however Newcastle have inserted a recall clause into his deal, meaning we can bring the 33-year-old back to St James’ Park in January should any of our current goalkeepers suffer an injury.
This leaves Nick Pope, Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie as our three stoppers in Eddie Howe’s squad, with Freddie Woodman leaving for Preston earlier in the window.
Here’s what Dubravka has had to say since sealing the move, saying it’s a “special moment” in his career while also paying tribute to Newcastle United:
“To be joining Manchester United is a special moment in my career and I can’t wait to get started, and help the group achieve its ambitions.
“I am joining an excellent group of goalkeepers with lots of experience in the Premier League, and I know that we will push and support each other to keep our standards at the highest levels. The chance to work with David De Gea, alongside Tom Heaton, is one that I am relishing.
“I’d like to sincerely thank everyone at Newcastle United, and especially the fans, for many great experiences over the past four and a half years. I enjoyed every minute of my time there and made amazing memories to look back on. My focus is now on helping Manchester United, and we’ll see what the future holds after I have given my all this season. I am excited to be here!”
Severe lack of confidence in his own ability to displace Pope. Form is temporary and you never know when a chance could arise. Even – God forbid – an injury to Pope could leave the door open. Once he had the shirt, if he showed his best form, Pope would need to win it back. So disappointed he’d rather sit on the bench at Manure than fight for his place here. Didn’t see him as a bottler, but there you go. Even in an emergency he’d hardly be welcomed back with open arms now. We showed him loyalty and he jumps ship first chance. True colours.
Bobbybee(Quote)
And yet Shay Given is a hero????
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