Premier League club Newcastle United can keep Martin Dubravka at St James’ Park permanently if they pay a relatively small transfer fee.
Martin Dubravka could not have made a better start to life at Newcastle United.
The Slovakia international goalkeeper made his Magpies debut in Sunday’s 1-0 win against Manchester United and is already verging on cult hero status.
Dubravka, signed on loan from Sparta Prague during the January transfer window, displayed not only supreme confidence when coming for crosses and commanding his area but demonstrated an ability to play out from the back like a modern-day sweeper keeper.
Fortunately, Newcastle have an option to sign Dubravka on a permanent deal. And, according to the Mirror, Rafa Benitez’s side are likely to pay the £5.2 million fee required to keep the 29-year-old at St James’ Park on a long-term basis, provided they avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
So with three months remaining before the end of the season, you could make an argument that Newcastle already have a deal in place to pull off one of the summer’s best bargain deals.
£5.2 million is pocket change to most Premier League clubs these days and it is not often a fee less than eight figures can buy you a new number one shot-stopper.
And while Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow have looked a little unconvincing at times between the sticks this season, Dubravka already seems a major upgrade, although fans should avoid getting carried away after just one 90-minute performance.
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