The Slovakia shot-stopper has his eyes on the 2026 World Cup finals next summer and does not want to be number 3
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12:00, 16 Jun 2025
Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United
Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United
Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is facing crunch talks with Eddie Howe on his return to pre-season.
As things stand, Dubravka remains second choice to Nick Pope but things could change very quickly if Newcastle sign another goalkeeper with talks for James Trafford ongoing. Dubravka, at 36, signed a new contract only in January when regarded as first choice as he helped Newcastle reach the Carabao Cup final with two polished performances against Arsenal.
But after Pope fought his way back and talk of a new goalkeeping arrival grows, Dubravka will want clarification of his role and won't want to be number 3 at Newcastle. Chronicle Live understands that Dubravka wants to play and with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon he is keen to play his part in the competition in the US, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Slovakia face Germany, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg in Group A of qualifying for next year's tournament. After signing his new deal earlier this year the former Man United loanee was dropped by Howe.
It led to questions within the Newcastle Press pack with BBC Radio Newcastle's John Anderson saying: "Dubravka has come in and done really, really well, then they offer him a new contract, and then they drop him. It doesn’t make sense
"I think he’ll feel aggrieved."
Newcastle United goalkeepers Martin Dúbravka (left) and Nick Pope
Newcastle United goalkeepers Martin Dúbravka and Nick Pope(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
In interviews with Slovak TV, Dubravka has amplified his ambitions in the last few years of his career. He said: "I’m at an age they call a ‘sporting veteran’ here, entering the final years of my career.
"But I’m not ready to settle for being second choice—or worse, third."
Dubravka made 10 Premier League starts last season with six appearances in the domestic cup competitions. Dubravka's last appearance for the Magpies was the gruelling 2-1 defeat in the FA Cup fifth round when Danny Welbeck's dink in the dying stages dumped Newcastle out of the competition.
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