Al Shabab Reaches Agreement with Newcastle's Martin Dubravka

Al Shabab has successfully negotiated a transfer deal with Martin Dubravka, the Slovakian goalkeeper from Newcastle United, to join the Saudi Pro League club during the January transfer window.

According to reports from 'Al Riyadiyah,' Dubravka is set to arrive in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, on January 1, marking the start of his new journey with Al Shabab. This move follows earlier speculations about the club considering Dubravka and Keylor Navas as potential signings for the goalkeeper position.

Dubravka's contract with Newcastle runs until June 2025. Over his tenure, he has made 165 appearances in the Premier League, conceding 226 goals and achieving 48 clean sheets. His career began with Žilina in Slovakia and includes stints with Sparta Prague, Newcastle United, and a loan spell at Manchester United, although he did not play any official matches for the latter.

The decision to sign Dubravka comes after the Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu suffered a severe ACL injury earlier this season. With Kim sidelined, Al Shabab relied on former Saudi national team goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Mayouf, who played in seven matches. Dubravka's arrival is expected to solidify the team’s defense for the remainder of the season.