Slovakian international goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is on loan at Premier League giants Newcastle United until the end of the season.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez made Martin Dubravka wait for his Premier League debut. The Slovakia international goalkeeper, signed on loan from Sparta Prague for the rest of this season, was left in reserve as Karl Darlow started against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
But Dubravka is keen to secure the number one jersey on Tyneside, and perhaps a long-term contract at the North East giants.
“It’s exciting to be here, it is a big club particularly in my own country. I appreciate the opportunity and I will try to do my best to stay and hopefully it will not just be a loan,” the 29-year-old said in quotes reported by the Chronicle.
“I really hope I get to stay longer than six months. It’s a huge opportunity for my life.”
Something of a late bloomer, Dubravka has spent his career in some of Europe’s smaller leagues including Denmark, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
So, 11 months away from his 30th birthday, a move to the Premier League represents an excellent opportunity for Dubravka to establish himself at last in one of the biggest competitions on the continent.
It is understood that Newcastle have a clause to make the shot-stopper’s loan deal permanent for £4 million should he impress between now and the end of the season, although he will have to oust Darlow before he can prove his worth between the sticks.
Renowned for his excellent passing and technical ability, Benitez has been on the lookout for a goalkeeper who can build from the back and Dubravka has the qualities to fit the bill.
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