Keith Downie has told Give Me Sport that Karl Darlow still has a future at Newcastle despite the signing of Nick Pope from Burnley – but Darlow’s future on Tyneside means doubts are emerging over Martin Dubravka.
Pope, 29, completed a move to Newcastle last week from Burnley for a bargain fee believed to be in the region of £10million. It is seen as a bit of coup for the Toon, given the price and that he will instantly be first choice.
Darlow acted as understudy to £4m signing (Sun) Dubravka last season, playing just eight times. He has played just once since Eddie Howe took control of Newcastle – the first under Howe, a 3-3 draw with Brentford.
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However, the ex-Forest goalkeeper has a contract until 2025. Dubravka also has three years left on his deal but after being no.1 since January 2018, he might choose to go. Downie says Darlow is more likely to remain.
“My understanding is that Darlow has been told he’s got a future at the club, so that leaves a bigger question mark over Dubravka. There was a little bit of talk over him leaving in January, but it didn’t materialise at the time.”
Downie: Darlow has future at Newcastle, doubts over Dubravka
Dubravka is a top goalkeeper and good enough to start for a Premier League club. During his time at Newcastle, he has been linked with the likes of Chelsea. So, it is understandable if Dubravka did want to go.
Darlow, meanwhile, is clearly okay with being back-up goalkeeper having done so throughout much of his time at Newcastle. If Newcastle are to choose one of the two to leave, it might be Dubravka, who turns 34 in January.
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