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What Martin Dubravka’s departure means for Newcastle United’s number one race with second exit likely

Robert McHugh

Mon 4 August 2025 16:15, UK

TBR Football understands that Martin Dubravka will not be the only goalkeeper to leave Newcastle United this summer, as Odysseas Vlachodimos also looks set to leave.

Martin Dubravka is in talks with Newcastle’s Premier League rivals, Burnley, over a permanent move away from the club to end his seven-year stay on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe has prioritised refreshing his goalkeeping group ahead of the new Premier League season, and the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Arsenal means there will be a fight for the number one shirt at Newcastle.

Now, with Nick Pope linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks, TBR Football understands that a second goalkeeper will leave Newcastle as Howe puts the final touches on his squad.

Exclusive: Odysseas Vlachodimos set to leave Newcastle United

According to TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, Dubravka is expected to be followed out of the club by fellow reserve goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Burnley were offered both Dubravka and Vlachodimos as potential replacements for Manchester City-bound James Trafford and have moved forward in their pursuit of the Slovakian international.

However, this does not mean that Vlachodimos will remain at St James’ Park to battle it out with Ramsdale and Pope.

He also looks set to leave the club in the current transfer window, and La Liga giants Sevilla have enquired about his availability.

As a result, Newcastle’s goalkeeping group will have a new feel in the 2025/26 season, with two departures looking likely.

Burnley close on targets after missing out on Nick Pope

With Dubravka and Vlachodimos now both likely to leave Newcastle this summer, Pope and Ramsdale will fight it out for the number one shirt.

According to Bailey, Burnley had initially enquired about Pope’s availability as they looked to bring him back to the club where he played 141 games between 2016 and 2022. However, they believe Dubravka has a lot to offer.

Bailey said: “With Trafford gone, Burnley have been assessing their options. They did look at Stefan Ortega, but in the end, they returned to Newcastle. They would have taken Nick Pope back, but Dubravka is a good option – he has Premier League experience and they are happy with him, they think he has a lot to offer.”

The Lancashire club are also set to confirm their third signing from Chelsea, as sources have confirmed that a deal is in place for Lesley Ugochukwu and Armando Broja to join the club, following the deal for Bashir Humphreys.

Bailey added: “Burnley have a very good relationship with Chelsea, and I am told during this summer they have talked about a number of players. Scott Parker has encouraged this; he knows they are quality players.

“Broja, they are delighted with and I am told they are really excited about Ugochukwu, they were not sure they could get either player, so getting both on permanent deals, they see this as something of a coup.”