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Goalkeeper Dubravka joins United on loan
Written by Rory Mitchinson
Newcastle United are pleased to announce the signing of Slovakian international goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka on loan from Sparta Prague until the end of the season.
The Magpies have the option to turn Dúbravka’s move into a permanent one, with the stopper eligible to make his debut against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.
The 29-year-old started his career with hometown club MSK Zilina, for whom he played six times in the 2010/11 Champions League.
He then spent two years in Denmark with Esbjerg fB, before moving to Czech side Slovan Liberec ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.
After making 28 appearances for the Modrobílí, he joined domestic rivals Sparta last summer.
Dúbravka has been capped nine times by Slovakia, and played against England in September’s 2018 World Cup qualifier at Wembley.
He said: “I feel amazing. This is a big step in my career and also in my life.
“You can feel the energy of the people around the club. I will try to work hard, and show that I deserve to be here.”
Boss Rafa Benítez added: “Dúbravka is a Slovakian international goalkeeper, and he is someone with some experience. He will need to settle down quickly as he is a player coming from abroad, but he is very agile and he can play with his feet.
“He will give us some competition in goal, and that is what we are looking for.”
"I feel amazing. This is a big step in my career and also in my life."