Celtic interested in Newcastle United star who recently signed a new contract
Newcastle United is anticipated to part ways with several long-serving players in favor of new signings this summer.
Since the club’s takeover in 2021, the first-team squad has undergone significant changes, but the forthcoming transfer window may be the most transformative yet. Sporting director Paul Mitchell will face a challenge from June to the end of August in securing the players needed by Eddie Howe to ensure the team consistently competes for high positions in the Premier League.
Currently, Newcastle sits fifth in the league, holding a game in hand over teams like Chelsea and Manchester City. While fifth place qualifies for the Champions League, the players are eager to secure the highest possible finish with eight matches remaining.
There is a strong belief that participating in the Champions League could be a turning point for Newcastle, increasing Mitchell’s chances of attracting his preferred transfer targets if Howe can guide the club back to Europe’s elite competitions. Several players are expected to depart this summer, with Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles being among the most notable names at risk. Additionally, a recent transfer report suggests that a Newcastle player, who recently signed a contract extension, is drawing interest from a league outside of England.
Celtic reignite transfer interest in Martin Dubravka
Martin Dubravka received some unexpected game time in the Premier League this season after Nick Pope suffered a knee injury during the winter months. The Slovakian took his opportunity to prove to Howe he was still a good candidate for the number one spot well, keeping five clean sheets in 10 appearances.
However, Dubravka has been demoted to the bench now that Pope is fit and is unlikely to receive any more minutes in the league this season. Dubravka signed a new deal at Newcastle alongside defender Emil Krafth, but according to the Chronicle, he could be heading out the door this summer.
The report states that Celtic are interested in Dubravka, despite the Hoops recently handing Kasper Schmeichel his own contract extension.
Newcastle are eyeing a move for James Trafford in the summer, so with five goalkeepers on the books already there needs to be losses before bringing the Burnley shot-stopper in.
A positive for Howe and Mitchell is that Dubravka’s new contract eliminates the risk of losing the 36-year-old on a free transfer, they can still demand a fee for him from interested parties.
Celtic nearly signed Martin Dubravka in 2024
This isn’t the first instance of Celtic expressing interest in the Newcastle goalkeeper. During the summer transfer window of 2024, Celtic engaged in discussions with Dubravka following Joe Hart’s retirement from professional football.
It appeared that Newcastle might be parting ways with the player who was brought in by Rafa Benitez in 2018, but Dubravka’s transfer to Celtic fell through when the club announced the signing of Schmeichel that same summer.
Despite the unsuccessful move last summer, it now seems increasingly probable that Dubravka will depart Newcastle at the end of the season in favor of a younger goalkeeper who can compete with Pope for a starting position.
In January, Dubravka came close to joining Al-Shabab, even starting to pack his belongings, but Eddie Howe ultimately persuaded him to remain in Tyneside for a few more months.
Staying turned out to be a wise choice, as he played a pivotal role in helping Newcastle reach the Carabao Cup final, where he earned a winners’ medal at Wembley.
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