Martin Dubravka looked visibly emotional after what was likely his last game as a Newcastle United player.
Dubravka started between the sticks as Eddie Howe’s side recorded a 2-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.
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The Slovakian was kept busy throughout the contest as Arsenal fired a total of 23 shots.
Despite having 70 percent possession, the Gunners simply couldn’t find a way past Dubravka and the Magpies’ watertight defensive line.
Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon made the difference, and Isak’s goal tied a 23-year record.
However, the night belonged to Dubravka as he kept his fifth clean sheet in his last seven appearances in all competitions.
The clean sheet could be Dubravka’s final act for the Magpies, as The Pitch Prospect understands the 35-year-old is close to joining Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.
Al Shabab is understood to have reached a verbal agreement with Dubravka and remains confident a deal will soon be formalized that takes him to the riches of the Middle East, despite Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s admiration for the glovemaker.
Should the move go through, Dubravka would join forces with players such as Yannick Carrasco, Daniel Podence and former Southampton defender Wesley Hoedt.
Dubravka’s actions after the game certainly seemed to suggest it was his final appearance for the Magpies.
After his teammates applauded the traveling Toon supporters, Dubravka stood alone in front of them with his hands on his hips.
The Slovakian, whose contract with Newcastle expires in June, then wiped his eyes, clapped at fans and patted the Newcastle crest as he walked away and was hugged by Dan Burn.
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Despite the emotional scenes after the game, Howe remained confident that it would not be Dubravka’s last appearance for the Magpies.
“I have nothing to add,” Howe said.
“We prepared for this game with Martin. He’s playing very well at the moment and of course I don’t want to lose him.”
Asked whether Dubravka could be offered a new contract to stay at Newcastle, Howe replied: “That would be my wish.”
Dubravka’s impending departure marks the end of his seven-year stay at the club after joining on loan from Sparta Prague in January 18.
He made an immediate impact and was named man of the match on his debut as Newcastle beat Manchester United 1-0.
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The Magpies decided to extend Dubravka’s contract permanently this summer for just £3 million and made 170 appearances for the club in all competitions, keeping 51 clean sheets.
Dubravka was relegated to the backup goalkeeper position following the arrival of Nick Pope in 2022, but his recent knee injury brought the Slovakian back into the starting lineup.
His return coincided with Newcastle’s impressive form, as Howe’s side won seven consecutive games in all competitions.