‘Newcastle make Martin Dubravka decision as James Trafford transfer plan emerges’
Newcastle have made a decision on the future of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, after some huge news about their pursuit of James Trafford.
Dubravka has been at St James’ Park since 2018, when he made the switch from Slavia Prague for a reported fee of around £4.5million.
The Slovakian remained first-choice keeper during his first two and a half seasons in the North East, before a serious ankle injury halted his progress.
The 36-year-old was eventually usurped by Nick Pope at the start of the 2022/23 campaign, and last season he played just 10 Premier League games for the Magpies.
Dubravka set to leave Newcastle
According to reports in the Shields Gazette (28 June), Dubravka is likely to leave Newcastle this summer.
The 36-year-old only signed a new deal in February, after transfer interest from Saudi Arabia, but the Magpies’ potential move for Trafford would likely see the Slovakia international depart.
Newcastle are set to make an official bid for Trafford within the next week, as Eddie Howe wants to bring the goalkeeper to Tyneside before the squad starts pre-season training on the 7th June.
Burnley value their number one at £40million, but the Magpies are eager to agree a deal for less than the touted asking price.
Trafford to challenge Pope for number one spot
Football Insider Verdict
Newcastle are expected to keep Pope at the club, even if they do wrap up a deal for Trafford ahead of the upcoming campaign.
It’s thought that Howe simply wants to add depth to his goalkeeping department, and the Burnley youngster would come in as a back-up initially, with a view to eventually becoming first-choice.
However, Trafford is hardly going to settle for a spot on the bench, as last season the 22-year-old kept a staggering 29 Championship clean sheets for the Clarets.
| Games | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded |
| 45 | 29 | 16 |
Scott Parker’s side had the best defensive record in the division as they were promoted back to the Premier League, and the former Manchester City academy graduate conceded just 16 goals in 45 appearances.
Trafford struggled in the top-flight during Burnley’s dismal 2023/24 campaign, but with an extra year’s experience under his belt, he will likely be ready to take the challenge to Pope.