Leicester City could benefit from Martin Dubravka’s Manchester United loan ending, as the Foxes are reportedly keen on signing the goalkeeper.
The circumstances in which Dubravka’s loan at United ended seem strange. The Newcastle United goalkeeper was set to spend the season at Old Trafford.
However, after playing just two League Cup games, he was recalled from his stint.
Fabrizio Romano revealed the reasons for the recall were because he was “almost never playing”. However, he shouldn’t have expected to play too much.
David de Gea was clearly going to start over Dubravka. The Spaniard has been United’s no.1 pretty much from the moment he stepped foot in the door in 2011.
He has racked up over 500 appearances for club, and is still performing in his role, having kept seven clean sheets in 16 league games so far this campaign.
It would have been strange if a goalkeeper on loan came in and usurped him of his position. Granted, Dubravka might have expected to have played in at least some of the Europa League games.
However, the decision not to play him in any of those cannot be sneered at given De Gea kept four clean sheets in six group games.
Leicester look to benefit from Dubravka decision
While United did not reap the benefits of Dubravka, another Premier League side might. Indeed, Guardian journalist Ed Aarons has revealed Leicester are ‘interested’ in signing the Newcastle goalkeeper this month.
With Kasper Schmeichel having left for Nice in the summer after 11 years at the King Power, Leicester had to find a new goalkeeper.
The transition away from having such a quality player in between the sticks is never an easy one.
That has been no different for the Foxes this season. Despite being 13th in the Premier League, only three teams have conceded more goals than them this term.
Their season started in a horrific manner. During Leicester’s first seven league games this season, they conceded 22 goals.
That led to questions over whether Danny Ward – Schmeichel’s successor – was good enough. Indeed, the Englishman had only played three top-flight games before this season.
Dubravka deal could be suitable
While the situation has eased of late, Leicester clearly think it would not be a bad idea to introduce another goalkeeper.
Even if Ward is to keep the no.1 spot, giving him competition could up his levels. If not, there could be a Premier League quality goalkeeper waiting in the wings.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Newcastle were to sanction the deal. They let Dubravka leave for a club that have ended up being a direct rival of theirs.
As such, lending him to a side that are currently mid table seems easily enough done for them.
