By Betsefy
Manchester United have completed the signing of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka from Newcastle United on a season-long loan deal, subject to registration.
The 33-year-old will spend the 2022-23 campaign at Old Trafford, although the Red Devils are understood to have the option to buy the Slovakia international next summer.
Dubravka becomes Erik ten Hag‘s second signing on deadline day after the £85m arrival of Ajax attacker Antony, while Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, and Tyrell Malacia have also joined the club this summer.
Speaking to Man United’s official website on his arrival at the club, Dubravka said: “To be joining Manchester United is a special moment in my career and I can’t wait to get started, and help the group achieve its ambitions.
The United goalkeepers’ union: ➕1️⃣
Welcome to the club, @HecoDubravka! 👐#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2022
“I am joining an excellent group of goalkeepers with lots of experience in the Premier League, and I know that we will push and support each other to keep our standards at the highest levels. The chance to work with David De Gea, alongside Tom Heaton, is one that I am relishing.
“I’d like to sincerely thank everyone at Newcastle United, and especially the fans, for many great experiences over the past four and a half years. I enjoyed every minute of my time there and made amazing memories to look back on.
“My focus is now on helping Manchester United, and we’ll see what the future holds after I have given my all this season. I am excited to be here!”
Football director John Murtough added: “Martin has proven himself to be a top Premier League goalkeeper and his experience and personality will be a great addition to our strong goalkeeping group, alongside David, Tom, and our younger keepers.
“Together, they will create a high-performance environment, with each of them ready to step up and play when called upon.”
© Reuters
Dubravka, who completed his medical on Tuesday night at United’s Carrington training complex, began his professional career with boyhood club Zilina, before representing Danish club Esbjerg and spending time in Czech Republic with Slovan Liberec and Sparta Prague.
The shot-stopper then caught the eye of Newcastle in January 2018 and he initially moved to St James’ Park on loan before signing permanently just four months later.
Duvravka made a total of 130 appearances between the sticks for the Magpies across all tournaments, but the summer arrival of Nick Pope saw him fall down the pecking order this term.
The 30-cap Slovakia international is keen for a fresh challenge and will now rival De Gea for the number one jersey at Old Trafford, although the Spaniard is still regarded as Ten Hag’s first-choice goalkeeper for now.
United decided to move for Dubravka after allowing Dean Henderson to join Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan deal earlier this summer.
