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5 months ago
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Interesting analysis from this BBC Sport, pundit.
Chris Sutton speculating about Martin Dubravka’s future.
The BBC Sport man telling Scottish media that the Newcastle United goalkeeper would be best served by a move north of the border.
Martin Dubravka looking all but certain to leave St James’ Park, with Eddie Howe set to bring in a new number two as cover and to compete with Nick Pope.
Chris Sutton speaking to the Daily Record about a possible Martin Dubravka move to Celtic this summer:
“At 35 years old he probably has one more big move in him.
“He’s played a lot of games for Newcastle in the last year but isn’t going to be first choice.
“There’s every chance he saw what Hart achieved at Celtic and fancies a bit of that himself.
“Does he sit tight and ride out his final year at Newcastle as a back up, or perhaps drop down the division in England to get a regular game?
“Or does he come to Celtic, play every week and be in with the chance of winning silverware, while playing in the Champions League? I know what I would be doing.
It sounds like he’s waiting until after the Euros to make any decision, and that’s fair enough. If he has a decent tournament there could be more options. Celtic need to keep their options open too, because it’s such an important role.”
Martin Dubravka is set to start on Monday (17 June), as it is Slovakia v Belgium in their first Euros Group match, followed on Friday 21 June by Slovakia v Ukraine, before ending the group stage with Slovakia v Romania on Wednesday 26 June.
The 2023/24 Premier League season, saw a bad should injury to Nick Pope give Martin Dubravka a surprise chance at Newcastle United to make a further impression.
The season ended with Nick Pope conceding 16 in his 15 league starts, Karius four in his sole start at Arsenal, whilst Martin Dubravka with 42 conceded in 22.
I am guessing those stats and the evidence of his own eyes no doubt convinced Eddie Howe that he had to raise the quality of back up for Nick Pope.
Martin Dubravka has been a great servant for Newcastle United and with one year left on his contract, at the age of 35 a move to Celtic and a much lower level of football should see Dubravka more than able to cope.
As for the keeper himself, he was asked about the speculation a few years ago…
Martin Dubravka asked by Slovakian media about claims that he could move to Celtic – 13 June 2024:
“I would not like to comment on that because I am mentally set for the national team [and the European Championships].
“However… I am aware of various noises.
“Teammates ask me about it.
“Agents call me.
“Yes, there is some truth to that.
“There was something true about that (interest from Celtic) last year as well.
“But you see, I stayed at Newcastle United.
“If there is no official offer on the table, I don’t deal with it.
“That’s how I took it even when I was still at Sparta. [Prague].
“At the moment, everything is only in the noise stage.”
Martin Dubravka asked about media speculation that James Trafford will shortly sign for Newcastle United:
“It is hard for me to comment on that because I get information from the newspaper about who we (Newcastle United) are [supposedly] signing.
“If I’m honest, I don’t care what happens anymore.
“I defended my place and did my best for the club.
“If they decide to bring someone else, I won’t influence it anymore.
“This has to be put aside at the moment, I’m trying [only] to concentrate on the national team now. I let the rest out of my head.”

 
