Newcastle United have completed the signing of Martin Dubravka on a permanent deal. The Chronicle reported earlier this week that the deal was due to be completed soon and the move has gone through without any last minute hitches to kick-start the club’s summer spending. After activating a clause in the player’s loan deal from Sparta Prague to make the goalkeeper a full-time addition, Benitez said today: “We’re delighted to finalise the permanent signing of Martin to Newcastle United today.
Martin Dubravka (Image: Getty Images Europe)
“Ever since he arrived with us on loan he has shown a fantastic attitude and great work ethic, and of course we have been very impressed with his performances for us on the pitch last season. “This was one of the key positions we had identified we needed to strengthen and had been concerned about, so it is excellent news that we are able now to sign him on a permanent basis. “The loan deal with an option to buy was the perfect deal for the club. “It is credit to Lee Charnley and also Steve Nickson for putting that in place because it gave me and my staff the opportunity to look at him and work with him and see how he would perform for us before committing to signing him permanently. “It has been very good business for the club and we now say congratulations to Martin and look forward to having him with us for the long term at Newcastle United.” Dubravka had said earlier this month: “There is a connection. “There is a connection between the players and the fans here. “That is why it is an amazing place. “Newcastle United is a very special club.”