Newcastle star Martin Dubravka breaks down and leaves Emirates Stadium pitch in tears after Carabao Cup win
MARTIN DUBRAVKA was left in tears following Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Arsenal on Tuesday night.
The Magpies put themselves in pole position to reach the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 away victory in north London during last night’s semi-final first leg.
Dubravka, who put in a superb performance for Newcastle, was left emotional at full-time.
The Slovakian goalkeeper was wiping away tears as he thanked the travelling support after what could be his last ever game for the Toon Army.
The 35-year-old has started every game for Newcastle since December 14, after first-choice shot-stopper Nick Pope picked up an injury.
But it now looks like he could be heading for the exit door in favour of a move to Saudi Arabia.
Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab are close to completing a deal to sign the former Sparta Prague gloveman.
A verbal agreement is said to be in place between Al-Shabab and Dubravka with the Saudi outfit “confident” the move will be formalised soon.
While Dubravka’s emotional reaction could be a hint that he is waving goodbye to Newcastle after seven years on the books at the Tyneside club.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe has made it clear he doesn’t want to lose Dubravka given his contribution to the team and his stellar form.
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Quizzed on if Dubravka was saying goodbye to the fans, Howe said: “I’ve got nothing to add on that.
“With Martin, we’ve been preparing for this game, and we’ve had a lot of games in quick succession, so I’ve not spoken to anybody about that.
“He’s playing very, very well, and certainly from my side, I wouldn’t want to lose him at all.
“But I genuinely know nothing. I’ve been head down, into the game. I’m sure I’ll speak to Paul [Mitchell, sporting director] at some stage.”
Probed further on if he wants to keep hold of Dubravka beyond the January transfer window, Howe added: “That would be my wish, but it is out of my hands.”
Regardless of a potential January exit, Dubravka is now into the final six months of contract at Newcastle and will be a free agent in the summer as things stand.
The 50-time Slovakia international has been a superb stand-in for Nick Pope over recent weeks, with his efforts in goal helping Newcastle re-find their best form.
Across seven games, Dubravka has kept five clean sheets and conceded just two goals.
While Newcastle have won all seven of those clashes, seeing them put one foot in the Carabao Cup final and climb up to fifth in the Premier League table.
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