Newcastle United call-up fifth goalkeeper to squad in Germany amid Martin Dubravka absence

With Martin Dubravka given extra time off after representing Slovakia in Euro 2024, Newcastle are one goalkeeper shy so far this pre-season. But Eddie Howe’s squad are still well stocked in that department with Nick Pope and Mark Gillespie supplemented by new arrivals John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos at the Adidas Headquarters’ training camp.

But four goalkeepers is not enough for Newcastle in Germany with Under-21s shot-stopper Max Thompson also called up to the squad. The 19-year-old spent the first half of last season on loan at Northampton Town, making 20 first-team appearances for the League One side.

While The Cobblers were keen to extend Thompson's stay until the end of the 2023-24 campaign, Newcastle made the decision to have the youngster join up with Eddie Howe's first team to assist the likes of Dubravka, Gillespie and Loris Karius in training whilst Pope was out injured.

He has since signed a contract extension at Newcastle until June 2025.

Following his new contract, Thompson told the Newcastle club website: "I'm really excited to continue my career with the club I've supported and grown up with. It's another opportunity to try and progress further as a footballer and, hopefully, make it as a player at Newcastle United."

After returning from Germany this weekend, Newcastle will step up their pre-season plans further with a behind-closed-doors friendly at Burnley next week before travelling to Hull City on July 27 (2pm kick-off). After the trip to Hull, Newcastle fly to Japan for two matches against Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F. Marinos in Tokyo.