Newcastle United have confirmed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka from Sparta Prague on a four-year contract and fans are in meltdown on social media after hearing the news.
The club confirmed the transfer on Twitter and on their official website.
IT'S DONE! ??
We're delighted to confirm the permanent signing of Martin Dúbravka from @ACSparta_EN!
Full story: https://t.co/jK4kv1l5Ix #NUFC pic.twitter.com/viwceGbbu1
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 30, 2018
The Slovakian arrived at St James’ Park from the Czech side in the January transfer window on an initial six-month loan deal with an option to buy and after becoming an instant hit for the Magpies where he has been imperious in the net, the club opted to exercise the buying clause.
Clean sheets against Manchester United, Chelsea, Huddersfield and Southampton earned him the transfer and rave reviews.
After hearing the news on Twitter one fan claimed that the 29-year-old was the “Slovakian Alisson,” while another fan called for an all-out celebration.
It was the fact that the number one keeper, Rob Elliot, was struggling with injuries in the first place which led to Rafa Benitez’ plunge into the transfer market in order to solve their lack of options in the position.
As a result, the 32-year-old has not played since December’s 1-0 defeat against Manchester City, while Karl Darlow has also found himself replaced.
Of Dubravka, fans are in raptures and here is what they had to say on social media about the confirmed deal:
Excellent signing for me he’s the Slovakian Allison in my eyes he’s a leader & we’ve not had this since Shay at 4m it’s a bargain #NUFC
— John Sinclair (YT)???? (@john_nufc42) May 30, 2018
Top signing! Now re-sign Rafa! PLEASE!??
— Evgeny Kolobrodov (@Jason_Mag) May 30, 2018
Could be the best keeper we have ever had.
— OldToonFan (@old_toon) May 30, 2018
— AJ (@TheAndylorian) May 30, 2018
Hell yeah ??
— Paul (@8thavenuestroll) May 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/ChrisMc1892/status/1001889984301993984
oh yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss 😉 pic.twitter.com/JCs9mbiEbQ
— Royagequit @nufc owner of Fred (@evilroyslade29) May 30, 2018