Martin Dubravka seemed visibly emotional after what was possible his closing recreation as a Newcastle United participant.
Dubravka began between the sticks as Eddie Howe’s facet recorded a 2-0 win over Arsenal within the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on the Emirates Stadium.
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The Slovakian was saved busy all through the competition as Arsenal fired off 23 photographs in complete.
Regardless of the Gunners boasting 70 per cent possession, they merely couldn’t discover a well past Dubravka and the watertight Magpies again line.
Targets from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon did the enterprise, with Isak’s strike equalling a 23-year file.
Nevertheless, the evening belonged to Dubravka as he recorded his fifth clear sheet in his final seven appearances throughout all competitions.
The clear sheet could show to be Dubravka’s closing act for the Magpies, as talkSPORT understands the 35-year-old is near becoming a member of Saudi Professional League facet Al Shabab.
It’s understood Al Shabab has a verbal settlement in place with Dubravka and stay assured a deal can be formalised quickly to take him to the riches of the Center East regardless of Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s admiration for the gloveman.
Ought to the transfer transpire, Dubravka would hyperlink up with the likes of Yannick Carrasco, Daniel Podence and former Southampton defender Wesley Hoedt.
Dubravka’s actions after the sport definitely appeared to counsel it was his final outing for the Magpies.
After his teammates had applauded the travelling Toon supporters, Dubravka stood alone in entrance of them together with his palms on his hips.
The Slovakian, whose contract with Newcastle expires in June, then wiped his eyes earlier than clapping the followers and patted the Newcastle crest as he walked away and was given a hug by Dan Burn.
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Regardless of the emotional post-match scenes, Howe remained hopeful it was not Dubravka’s final outing for the Magpies.
“I’ve bought nothing so as to add,” Howe stated.
“We have been making ready for this recreation with Martin. He is taking part in very properly in the mean time and naturally, I would not need to lose him.”
When requested if Dubravka could possibly be supplied a brand new deal to stay at Newcastle, Howe replied: “That may be my want.”
Dubravka’s imminent departure will deliver an finish to his seven-year keep on the membership having joined on mortgage from Sparta Prague in January 18.
He made an instantaneous impression, incomes man of the match honours on his debut as Newcastle beat Manchester United 1-0.
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The Magpies opted to show Dubravka’s deal everlasting for simply £3million that summer season and has gone on to make 170 appearances for the membership throughout all competitions, conserving 51 clear sheets.
Dubravka was relegated to back-up goalkeeper duties following Nick Pope’s arrival in 2022, however the latter’s current knee harm introduced the Slovakian again into the beginning line-up.
His return has coincided with Newcastle’s spectacular run of kind as Howe’s facet have received seven-straight video games throughout all competitions.