Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka signs permanent deal with Newcastle

Newcastle have completed the signing of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a permanent deal. Dubravka initially moved to St James' Park on loan from Czech side Sparta Prague but has now signed a contract until June 2022.
The 29-year-old impressed on his debut in March, keeping a clean sheet as Newcastle beat Manchester United 1-0. He went on to make 12 Premier League appearances and helped the club finish in 10th spot

Benitez said "We're delighted to finalise the permanent signing of Martin to Newcastle United today. 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."