Dubravka agrees Man Utd terms – how close is the move?
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 27 Aug 2022 22:49 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United are close to landing their fifth major signing of the 2022 summer transfer window in the form of Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, according to a report.
While the Antony saga with Ajax continues to run, although a €100 million move is looking probable, the goalkeeper is set to follow Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro in joining the Old Trafford club.
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Fabrizio Romano even states that the Slovakia goalkeeper has agreed personal terms with the Red Devils and is pushing Newcastle to allow him to leave.
So what’s the sticking point?
Quite simply, it’s the make up for the deal. Newcastle want to offload the 33-year-old on a permanent basis but Manchester United are only offering £5 million with an option to buy at the end of the season, the Italian reports.
Will Newcastle buckle over Dubravka?
Newcastle may want to earn a reputation as hard operators in the transfer market, but this will be a difficult deal for them to negotiate.
Dubravka, after all, is far from an essential member of their squad. If Nick Pope has come in and established himself as the No.1 goalkeeper, the Slovak faces a battle with Karl Darlow simply to be the No.2 at the club.
I’ll never forget Dubravka’s debut for us. Sad to see him go #NUFC pic.twitter.com/gzNWf9FL3R
— Alfie(Joelinton Enjoyer)⚫️⚪️ (@AIfieNUFC) August 25, 2022
With this in mind, the opportunity to offload his wages in any capacity has to be studied. Given the finances they command, though, they may feel it is worth taking the hit on his wages for a season to prove themselves strong operators in the market. Certainly, rebuffing the advances of a club like Man Utd would be a significant statement.
Dubravka, meanwhile, is clearly eager for an unexpected shot at a genuine super club, which he would not have expected at this point of his career.
