Burnley Football Club officially confirmed the signing of veteran goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka from Newcastle United on a one-year contract. The 36-year-old Slovakian international’s move to Turf Moor marks the end of his seven-and-a-half-year tenure with the Magpies, where he made 179 appearances and earned a reputation as a reliable shot-stopper.
This transfer comes as Burnley seek to fill the void left by James Trafford, who re-joined Manchester City earlier in the summer transfer window. But the question on every Clarets fan’s mind is: will Dúbravka claim the number one spot in Scott Parker’s squad?
Burnley Football Club are delighted to confirm the signing of experienced goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka on a one-year contract ✍️
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) August 7, 2025
A new chapter 🤝
A Strategic Signing for Burnley
Burnley’s pursuit of Dúbravka was driven by the need for a proven Premier League goalkeeper following Trafford’s departure. The Clarets, fresh off a Championship campaign where they conceded just 16 goals in 46 matches and secured promotion with a record-breaking 30 clean sheets, are determined to maintain their defensive solidity in the Premier League. Dúbravka, with his extensive experience, including 50 caps for Slovakia and stints at clubs like Sparta Prague and Manchester United (on loan), represents a pragmatic acquisition for a side aiming to avoid relegation.
The transfer was finalized after negotiations progressed rapidly, with Sky Sports reporting on August 6 that Dúbravka was undergoing a medical at Burnley ahead of a permanent move. The deal, for an undisclosed fee, was facilitated by Newcastle’s overcrowded goalkeeping department, which now includes Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, and Mark Gillespie. Dúbravka, who had entered the final year of his contract at St. James’ Park, was deemed surplus to requirements following Ramsdale’s loan arrival from Southampton.
Dúbravka expressed enthusiasm about joining Burnley, stating, “I’ve only heard really positive things about the club, the culture, and the environment we work in, so I’m excited about getting going with the season kicking off next weekend.” He highlighted Burnley’s “superb defensive record” from the previous season and his eagerness to “add my experience and quality to what looks an exciting squad of players.”
Will Dúbravka Be Burnley’s Number One?
Many Fantasy Football Managers are wondering the key question as to whether Dúbravka will secure the starting goalkeeper role at Turf Moor. Burnley’s goalkeeping department already includes Václav Hladký, who served as Trafford’s deputy last season, and 21-year-old Max Weiss, signed from German second-tier side Karlsruhe in June. While Hladký is unlikely to challenge for the top spot, Weiss represents a potential long-term option, having started 34 matches in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga last season. However, Dúbravka’s Premier League pedigree and leadership qualities make him the frontrunner to claim the number one role.
Sources indicate that Burnley manager Scott Parker views Dúbravka as the primary target to replace Trafford, with his experience seen as crucial for a team transitioning to the rigors of top-flight football. Posts on X, including from @thefplbois, suggest that Dúbravka is “expected to take the No.1 spot at the newly promoted side,” particularly appealing to Fantasy Premier League players due to his £4.0m price tag and Burnley’s defensive strength. His ability to command the box and communicate effectively aligns well with Parker’s system, which prioritizes defensive organization.
THE FPL BOIS SELECTION
— The FPL Bois (@thefplbois) August 6, 2025
Depending on the budget you've remaining in your squad, we'd go for one of Pickford/Sels and combine with Dubravka, as a settled pair for the start of the season. pic.twitter.com/FoQZjYDulD
However, there are risks. At 36, Dúbravka is nearing the end of his career, and some fans see him as a short-term solution rather than a long-term investment. Weiss, at 21, could push for minutes if he impresses in training or cup competitions. Additionally, Dúbravka’s limited game time last season—10 Premier League appearances for Newcastle—raises questions about his match sharpness. Despite this, his standout performances, such as winning the Premier League’s Save of the Month award in January 2025 against Wolverhampton Wanderers, demonstrate his enduring quality.
The Road Ahead
Dúbravka’s move to Burnley is a shrewd piece of business for a club looking to stabilize their backline. His experience, with 53 clean sheets in 179 appearances for Newcastle and a key role in their 2024/25 EFL Cup triumph, brings a calming presence to a relatively youthful squad. For Fantasy Premier League managers, his potential as a starting goalkeeper at a bargain price makes him an attractive option, provided he secures the role over Weiss.
As Burnley prepare for their Premier League opener, Dúbravka’s integration into the squad will be closely watched. If he can replicate the form that made him Newcastle’s Player of the Year in 2019/20 and a fan favourite on Tyneside, he could prove to be the cornerstone of Burnley’s survival bid. For now, all signs point to Dúbravka being Scott Parker’s first-choice goalkeeper, but he’ll need to hit the ground running to fend off competition and cement his place at Turf Moor.
