Newcastle United have completed the signing of Czech Republic goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Portuguese club Braga for £25.7 million, activating his release clause.
Hornicek, 24, agreed to a five-year contract and joined the team at their training camp in Spain over the weekend to finalize the deal. He becomes the club’s second goalkeeping acquisition this summer, following the arrival of 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen from Reims, but is expected to take on the role of established first-choice keeper.
“I know Newcastle is a huge football city, with 52,000 fans at St James’ Park creating an incredible atmosphere,” Hornicek said. “I can’t wait to play in front of them.”
Newcastle had targeted Hornicek after he recorded seven clean sheets in Braga’s Europa League semifinal run last season — the most of any goalkeeper in the competition. According to Opta data, he also ranked second among Primeira Liga keepers with 846 successful passes and fourth with a 75% passing accuracy.
Sporting director Ross Wilson praised Hornicek’s “remarkable” development, adding: “It quickly became evident how keen he was to be a part of what we are building here.”
The move is part of a broader squad rebuild at St James’ Park this summer, with the goalkeeping position identified as a key area for renewal.
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