Joelinton reacts to Martin Dubravka announcement at Newcastle United
Joelinton has responded instantly to an announcement on the future of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka at Newcastle United.
The Slovakian international has faced an uncertain time at St James’ Park of late, with his contract with Eddie Howe‘s side due to expire at the end of this season.
Indeed, there had been speculation in the January transfer window that Dubravka was due to leave Newcastle.
Ultimately no exit from the Magpies materialised for the 36-year-old before the market closed, and more clarity has now been issued on the future of the goalkeeper.
Martin Dubravka gets fresh Newcastle United contract
On Thursday (20 February) it was announced that Dubravka has extended his deal with Newcastle by a further year.
As a result, the goalkeeper’s future at St James’ Park has now been secured until the end of the 2025/26 season.
With Newcastle taking to Instagram to confirm that the 36-year-old will be staying with the club for the foreseeable future, that generated a reaction from plenty of followers of the club.
One of those to respond was Dubravka’s own teammate Joelinton, with the midfielder giving his seal of approval to the deal, and support to the goalkeeper, by liking that post announcing the news.
Since joining Newcastle in 2018, the goalkeeper has made well over 150 appearances in all competitions for the club, helping them to reach this season’s Carabao Cup final, where they face Liverpool next month.
| Martin Dubravka for Newcastle in 2024/25 | Stats (from Transfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 15 |
| Goals Conceded | 14 |
| Clean Sheets | 8 |
| Minutes Played | 1,305 |
Martin Dubravka facing fight for Newcastle United spot despite contract extension
Football Insider Verdict
It does seem to make sense for the Magpies to extend the contract of Dubravka in the wake of recent events.
Amid an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope, it is the Slovakian who has stepped in between the posts for Newcastle in recent weeks.
On the whole the 36-year-old has done a decent job while filling that role, so it makes sense for the club to keep a player who still seems to have an important role to play for Eddie Howe’s side.
However, with his fellow goalkeeper now fit again, some Newcastle fans called for Pope to replace Dubravka after their 4-0 thrashing by Man City at the weekend.
Given Pope had previously held that number one spot, it is a change Howe may be tempted to make again.
So while Dubravka’s future at Newcastle is now secure, that may not be quite the case when it comes to his place in the side.