Newcastle United have announced that both Martin Dubravka and Emil Krafth have extended their contracts at St James' Park.
Dubravka was due to see his original deal expire in the summer and was strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in January after allegedly receiving a lucrative offer from Al Shabab.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper was seen in tears after Newcastle's 2-0 first-leg win at Arsenal in the EFL Cup semi-finals last month as he appeared to wave goodbye to the travelling Magpies supporters ahead of an anticipated exit.
However, Dubravka has been persuaded to stay at Newcastle, and although the length of his new contract has not been officially disclosed by the Magpies, it is understood that the Slovakia international has penned a new one-year deal that runs until the summer of 2026.
"I'm really happy to have extended my time here," Dubravka told Newcastle's official website. "I had a really positive discussion with the gaffer and sporting director and we all agreed that it would be best if I stayed here.
"I have a really special connection here with the club, the staff and the fans. My children were born here, so they are Geordies now, and this club holds a special place in my heart.
"I feel that the team is in a really good place at the minute, with how we are doing in the league and obviously being in two cup competitions is really exciting."
🔒✍️ pic.twitter.com/0QQ3Fa2WNp
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 20, 2025
Howe: 'It's no secret Dubravka had options to move on in January'
Head coach Eddie Howe added: "Martin is a high-quality goalkeeper who has performed brilliantly for Newcastle United over the years.
"He has stepped back into the team recently and performed very well, demonstrating his value within a strong goalkeeping unit.
"It's no secret that he had options to move on in January, but he deserves huge credit for keeping his focus. We are delighted Martin is staying with us."
Dubravka, who has been with the Magpies since January 2018, has made a total of 178 appearances for the club across all competitions, and he was initially forced to play second fiddle to first-choice shot-stopper Nick Pope following his arrival at the club in 2022.
Newcastle's No.1 began the current campaign behind Pope, but he benefited from the latter sustaining an injury in early December and has since started 14 of the Magpies' last 15 games in all competitions, winning 12 of those and keeping seven clean sheets.
Meanwhile, Swedish defender Krafth was also due to see his original deal at Newcastle expire in the summer, but he has now put pen to paper on fresh terms until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
"I'm delighted to extend my time at Newcastle United for another year. It's an exciting time to be part of this club," the 30-year-old told their official website.
"We have a lot to play for throughout the rest of this season, and I'm looking forward playing my part in helping the team finish the season in a positive way.
Krafu 👊
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 20, 2025
We are pleased to confirm that Emil Krafth has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the club until the end of the 2025/26 season 🇸🇪🤝 pic.twitter.com/pD9UOjSoRG
Mitchell: 'Krafth extension was a simple decision for Newcastle'
"It feels like home here for both me and my family, having been here for such a long time. We all enjoy everything about being part of this club, and I love playing for Newcastle United."
Howe added: "I'm delighted we have extended Emil's contract. He is an incredible professional in the way he trains, plays and conducts himself.
"He offers us versatility in defensive positions, which is vital to have, along with vast experience and a steadying influence. He will continue to be an important part of our squad on and off the pitch."
Paul Mitchell, Newcastle's sporting director, continued: "Emil can play across different defensive positions and he gives the first team squad important balance.
"He is ultra-professional, and given his experience both at club and international level, it made it a simple decision for the club to extend his contract.
"These decisions are part of a collaborative process internally, and we'll continue to work closely to optimise our chances of success in the short, medium and long term."
Since joining Newcastle in 2019, Krafth has predominantly been a peripheral first-team squad member, but he has still made a total of 93 appearances for the club in all competitions, including eight outings so far this season.
Both Dubravka and Krafth are in contention to play for Newcastle in Sunday's Premier League home encounter with Nottingham Forest.
Oliver Thomas
