In a recent tweet, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano mentioned that Manchester United are close to signing Newcastle United keeper Martin Dubravka this month. It has been claimed that the Red Devils are close to agreeing on a loan-to-buy option worth £5m for the Slovak custodian.
Excl: Manchester United have now reached an agreement in principle to sign Martin Dúbravka. Newcastle are ready to accept loan with buy option clause worth £5m. 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Final details are being discussed as personal terms are already agreed — here we go expected soon. pic.twitter.com/MCcl5aI6EA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2022
Dubravka’s Solid Career At Tyneside
Dubravka has enjoyed a decent career at Newcastle but seems to have lost his way at St. James’ Park of late. The 33-year-old made 130 appearances for the Magpies in the previous campaign, conceding 175 goals and earning 37 clean sheets in the process thus far.
The Zilina-born talent has done well to average 0.5 clearances and 8.6 long balls per game in the Premier League last season. However, he needs to improve his accuracy when distributing the ball from the back after making just 59.4% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
Dubravka has fallen behind Nick Pope in Newcastle United’s pecking order. Thus, it makes sense for him to switch clubs in search of more game time this month. However, he would have to settle for playing second-fiddle to David de Gea at Old Trafford if Man United end up completing a deal for him.
Is Dubravka A Decent Signing For Manchester United Boss Ten Hag?
Dubravka is an experienced keeper who has decent reflexes that help him make a few solid stops at the back. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and has what it takes to serve as a decent back-up to David de Gea at the Theatre of Dreams.
Man United would do well to get him on board this summer as the Slovak international is good enough to help them stay competitive in the domestic cup competitions where Erik ten Hag might look to rotate his squad this season.
At 33, Dubravka remains a safe pair of hands in between the sticks and would be a good signing for the Red Devils during this summer transfer period. However, only time will tell whether the talented custodian can handle the expectations surrounding a move to Old Trafford where he will be expected to perform at his best every time he steps onto the field.
The Slovak talent will no doubt increase competition for places within Man United‘s match-day squad but would only serve as a decent acquisition for the Red Devils in the short term. Still, the pros outweigh the cons of such a move, so ten Hag should prioritise on getting the transfer over the line as soon as possible.