James Trafford sits in the frame now because Tottenham Hotspur have signed Martin Dubravka, with the goalkeeper set to join on 1 July after his Burnley contract expired. The move brings a Slovakia international into the squad immediately, and it comes with a clear message about experience.
Dubravka called it “an exciting time for me, a new journey and new experience for me and my family. I'm looking forward to it.” He also said, “Everything moved pretty quickly and I'm really happy to be here. I've loved watching Roberto's teams over the years and know all about his style, vision and the fantastic fans here.”
Tottenham Hotspur add proven experience
Johan Lange said Dubravka is “a goalkeeper of proven quality at the highest level, and his character and professionalism will strengthen the squad.” Roberto De Zerbi went further, calling him “a goalkeeper with big experience and a strong mentality.”
That language matters because Tottenham Hotspur are not buying a blank slate. Dubravka arrives with Premier League and international mileage already built in, which makes the move different from a developmental signing and gives the club immediate depth in goal.
Martin Dubravka's long route
His path to Tottenham Hotspur has gone through MSK Zilina, Esbjerg fB, Slovan Liberec, Sparta Prague, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Burnley. He started with MSK Zilina, helped them win two Slovak Superliga titles, and was part of the side that reached the UEFA Champions League group stage in 2010/11.
He moved to Esbjerg fB in January 2014, then to Sparta Prague in July 2017 after a spell at Slovan Liberec. Newcastle United took him on loan in January 2018, and that move turned permanent in the summer of 2018.
Burnley and the timing
At Newcastle United, Dubravka put together 88 consecutive Premier League appearances, won the North East Football Writers' Association Player of the Year award in 2018, and finished the 2019/20 season with 140 Premier League saves and Newcastle United's Player of the Year award. He later had a short loan spell with Manchester United in the 2022/23 season, won a Carabao Cup winners' medal, and then added more silverware and awards in 2025.
He won the Premier League Save of the Month award in January 2025, lifted the Carabao Cup with Newcastle United two months later, joined Burnley in August 2025, made 35 appearances in a 38-game league campaign and won the Premier League Save of the Month award again in October for a stop against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The practical result for Tottenham Hotspur is simple: they add a goalkeeper who has already handled league pressure, cup pressure and international duty, and they do it the moment his Burnley deal runs out. Dubravka has 60 caps for Slovakia, and his senior debut came in May 2014.
