Manchester United have confirmed the loan signing of Martin Dubravka from Newcastle United.
The club state they have an option to make the transfer permanent.
For now, he will join on a season-long loan.
Manchester United Sign Newcastle United Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on Initial Loan
The United goalkeepers’ union: ➕1️⃣
Welcome to the club, @HecoDubravka! 👐#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2022
Dubravka Replaces Henderson in Manchester United Goalkeeping Group
Following the departure of Dean Henderson, who joined Nottingham Forest on loan earlier in the window, Manchester United have been keen to add to their first-team goalkeeper department of David de Gea and Tom Heaton.
Whilst they also have more options in young stoppers, Matej Kovar and Nathan Bishop, they are two names who have been on the loan market for some time.
Henderson left United short on senior goalkeepers at the time and the gap has now been filled with the Slovakia international.
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Dubravka made 130 appearances during his time with Newcastle, for whom he was a great help in keeping them in the Premier League.
Since their signing of Nick Pope, there has been little need for him – he was yet to make an appearance for the club this season.
He will likely challenge David de Gea, alongside Tom Heaton.
Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that the option to buy will become an obligation should he play a certain number of Premier League games.
He further writes that the loan fee will be £2 million, costing a further £6 million to make the move permanent.
What Martin Dubravka and John Murtough Said
Martin Dubravka has joined #MUFC on loan.
Really sad to see the player go. A brilliant servant for #NUFC and a terrific goalkeeper. pic.twitter.com/S0givzg5CE
— Jordan Cronin (@jordancronin_) September 1, 2022
On his arrival at Old Trafford, Dubravka told manutd.com: “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.
“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!”
The 2022/23 campaign is as busy as they come with the 2022 World Cup starting in November. There should be plenty of opportunities for Dubravka to feature for Manchester United, including with their involvement in the Europa League.
Dubravka will try and push his new teammates for the number one spot at Old Trafford.
Read More: Premier League Predictions
Football director John Murtough also told the club website: “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.”
