Following the sale of talented young goalkeeper, James Trafford, for a British record fee to Manchester City, Burnley have been left searching for a new goalkeeper to take over the reigns of Trafford.
With many names being rumoured as replacements such as the likes of Sam Johnstone and many others. Burnley have finally chosen their new goalkeeper in the form of experienced Slovakian goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka. As the Slovakian signs a one year contract with the Clarets.
The career of Dubravka so far
Dubravka started off his career in his home country of Slovakia, at the Slovak Superliga side Zilina. Being in their youth team from 2006 to 2009 and becoming their first choice goalkeeper in the senior team in January 2010.
Going on to make appearances in the Champions League for them, keeping a clean sheet in the play-off round against Sparta Prague.
After making 97 appearances in total for his boyhood club. Dubravka earned himself a move in 2014 to Danish side Esbjerg.
Staying at the Danish club until 2016 when he signed for Czech Republican side Slovan Liberec. Where he had short stay only being at the club for one year.
Making the short move over to Sparta Prague in June 2017. Despite signing a three year contract with the club he soon made the transfer over to England when Newcastle United acquired his signature.
Initially signing for Newcastle on a loan in January 2018 until the end of the season. With Newcastle having the option to make it a permanent move in the summer. Which after a successful end to the season they made the choice to make the move permanent.
In February of 2019, Dubravka won the 2018 player of the year award by the North East Football Writers' Association.
He was an ever present presence in the Newcastle team going on to win the clubs player of the year award for his performances during the 2019-2020 season.
Dubravka went on to lose his position in the Newcastle team to, former Burnley shot stopper, Nick Pope. And was shortly loaned out to Manchester United.
Going on to make two appearances for the Red Devils. With both coming in the Carabao Cup in matches against Aston Villa and, his new club, Burnley respectively.
Newcastle recalled Dubravka from his loan in January of that season. Since then he's been used as backup for Nick Pope and comes into the team if Pope is injured.
Having made ten appearances for Slovakia's under 21 team, Dubravka made his senior debut in 2014 which Slovakia won 2-0 over Montenegro.
Dubravka went on to make his competitve debut for Slovakia in a 2018 World Cup qualifier match against Lithuania in which they won 2-1.
Dubravka went on to participate in both Euro 2020 and Euro 2024. Playing in every game in both tournaments. Even making history during the Euro 2020 group stage, in a match against Spain, as he became the first goalkeeper to save a penalty and score an own goal in the same match.
Dubravka on signing for the Clarets
In an interview with Clarets+ Dubravka, much like Ugochukwu, said *"It's a really exciting time to be joining the club, ahead of our return to the Premier League."*
Also stating to Clarets+ "I've only heard positive things about the club, the culture and the environment we work in, so I'm excited about getting going with the season kicking off soon."
Dubravka goes on to mention the historic defensive season that Burnley had on their way to automatic promotion to the Premier League, adding "Burnley had a fantastic campaign last season, built on a superb defensive record, and I can't wait to come in and add my experience and quality to what looks like an exciting squad of players."
What will Dubravka bring to the squad?
Dubravka is a vastly experienced goalkeeper within the Premier League itself but also on the international stage too.
So he will provide the squad with extra leadership as well as a calm nature and presence around some of the younger players and players that haven't played in the Premier League before.
As a goalkeeper, Dubravka has been known for his outstanding shot stopping ability. But as the game has developed over time he's been improving with the ball at his feet being calm under pressure and not rushing into bad decisions.
His experience will be helpful to fellow newcomer to the Burnley team Max Weiss, as a 21 year old goalkeeper he'll be able to learn a lot as an understudy to Martin Dubravka for the season ahead.