Manchester United and Newcastle United have agreed to terms on the signing of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, as Erik ten Hag moves closer to his fifth and sixth signings of the summer transfer window. The Red Devils have been looking for a goalkeeper to compete with David de Gea this season and appear to have found him.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United has reached an agreement in principle with Newcastle for Dubravka, who has already agreed on personal conditions for a move to Old Trafford. The Magpies are willing to let him go on a season-long loan with the option to buy him for £5 million next summer.
According to Sky Sports, the provision will become an obligation to buy based on the number of appearances Dubravka makes during the 2022/23 season. The remaining steps are to complete the final paperwork and a physical before he joins Ajax winger Antony in joining United before the deadline on Thursday.
United have agreed to pay up to £85 million for the 22-year-old Brazilian winger, making him the Dutch Eredivisie’s most expensive export of all time. Ten Hag’s attacking priority was Antony, and his arrival is anticipated to become official on Monday or Tuesday after completing a medical in Manchester.
Dubravka joined Newcastle on loan from Sparta Prague in January 2018 and impressed on his debut against United in a 1-0 victory at St. James’ Park. He signed a permanent contract in the summer of that year and has been the Tyneside giants’ first-choice goalkeeper for the four seasons since.
However, due to long-term injuries, his position was reduced in the previous two seasons, with 13 Premier League games in 2020/21 and 26 in 21/22. And, this summer, Eddie Howe signed England international Nick Pope from Burnley in a £10 million transfer, leaving Dubravka as a second choice.
Dubravka, who has 30 caps for Slovakia, will compete with De Gea for a starting spot in goal, coming in for Dean Henderson after his loan transfer to Nottingham Forest. He is expected to be United’s cup goalkeeper and first-choice in the Europa League.
Tom Heaton is also available to Ten Hag, although Ten Hag appears to prefer a player with more recent experience playing regularly at the highest level. With just over three days left in the transfer window, Dubravka might be the Red Devils’ final signing.
