Martin Dubravka is headed to Tottenham Hotspur. The veteran Slovakian goalkeeper, who spent last season as Burnley’s starter, will serve as backup to Antonin Kinsky in north London. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal on Thursday with a simple “here we go.”
This move has been in the works for a bit. Dubravka’s one-year contract at Burnley expired after the Clarets were relegated, and he was always likely to land somewhere in the Premier League. At 37 years old, he’s not looking for a starting job. He’s looking for a smart gig where he can play a supporting role and maybe push for cup minutes.
Tottenham saw an opening. With Guglielmo Vicario expected to leave this summer, the club needed a reliable No. 2 behind Kinsky, the 22-year-old Czech who emerged as Spurs’ first-choice keeper late last season. Dubravka fits the bill: experienced, professional, and comfortable with not being the main attraction.
His last Premier League season was a mixed bag. Dubravka made 35 appearances for Burnley, keeping four clean sheets while conceding 71 goals. That sounds worse than it was — Burnley’s defense had holes everywhere, and he was often left exposed. Still, he lost the starting job in the final three games to Max Weiss, which raised a few eyebrows.
But Dubravka has history at this level. He spent years at Newcastle as a steady presence. And he’s got a weird connection to Manchester United, too.
He joined United on loan in September 2022 under Erik ten Hag. Made just two appearances, both in the Carabao Cup. But here’s the funny part: those two games were enough to earn him a winners’ medal when United lifted the trophy that season. He played in a 4-2 win over Aston Villa and a 2-0 victory against Burnley. Then Newcastle pulled him back in January 2023 and that was that.
Now he lands at Tottenham on what’s likely a short-term deal. The team has not confirmed the contract length yet, but the expectation is he’ll be backup for one season with an option. Kinsky is the present and the future. Dubravka is the insurance policy.
And honestly, that’s not a bad spot for a guy who’s been around the block. He’ll train hard, stay ready, and if Kinsky gets hurt or hits a rough patch, he can step in without the club panicking. For a Spurs team trying to build something under Ange Postecoglou, having a steady hand behind a young starter makes sense.
Barring another signing, Kinsky will start the season as No. 1. Dubravka will be on the bench, probably getting cup games and the occasional league start. It’s a classic veteran backup move, and it keeps him in the Premier League for another year.
Leave a Comment