With the summer transfer window set to open on 10 June, it's safe to say that the attention of Premier League clubs is focusing harder on recruitment. Newcastle’s revamp underwent it's first phase four months ago with the arrivals of Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Matt Targett, Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes.
With no sign of slowing down, St James’ Park is bound to see several new faces ahead of next season. A key position under assessment is in goal, this despite Martin Dubravka’s impressive four-year spell at the club - with rumours that a deal for Manchester United's Dean Henderson is "99% done" despite the club moving to downplay these suggestions.
But why would Newcastle need a new goalkeeper next season? Well, one argument could be that it may benefit the team’s style of play. In this week’s CIES Football Observatory Weekly Post, it was revealed that the Slovakian stopper ranked fourth in the Premier League for the number of long passes played.
READ MORE: Martin Dubravka 'chill and do nothing' stance should be copied by Newcastle stars before busy summer
Should the Magpies want to move to a more modern style of football, a goalkeeper comfortable playing shorter passes may be preferred. Another reason could simply be for depth.
Karl Darlow, Mark Gillespie and the returning Freddie Woodman provide backup for Dubravka in Eddie Howe’s squad but adding another would mean there are two top-level keepers at the club - the main challenge would then be keeping both of them happy with playing time.
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