Newcastle United’s search for a new first-choice goalkeeper is finally over after months of speculation surrounding the position and a lengthy list of reported targets throughout the summer.
The Magpies officially announced the signing of Czech Republic international Lukas Hornicek from Braga on Monday, with the 24-year-old arriving on a five-year contract after Newcastle activated his €30 million (£25.7 million) release clause.
The Athletic reported the deal’s figures, revealing it would be worth
the full value of the goalkeeper’s release clause, which Newcastle activated over the weekend.
Hornicek becomes Newcastle’s fifth first-team signing of the summer following the arrivals of Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba. The goalie has already joined the team at Newcastle’s preseason training camp in Spain, with new manager Matthias Jaissle in town but still not officially hired, as no word from the club has emerged since Eddie Howe’s exit.
Speaking after completing the move, Hornicek described the transfer as a major opportunity.
“The last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster from when I first heard about the move and now I’m so happy to be here,” Hornicek said. “It’s a brilliant opportunity in a new league, which I’m very excited about.”
The goalkeeper also highlighted Newcastle’s supporters as one of the attractions behind the move.
“I know Newcastle is a huge football city, with 52,000 fans at St. James’ Park creating an incredible atmosphere and pushing the team every game,” Hornicek said. “I can’t wait to play in front of them.”
Sporting director Ross Wilson believes the club has secured one of Europe’s brightest young goalkeepers.
“His progress in recent years has been remarkable and he has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s top young goalkeepers,” Wilson said. “We knew there would be no shortage of clubs interested in acquiring Lukáš this summer after everything he achieved last season, but it quickly became evident how keen he was to be a part of what we are building here.”
Hornicek played a key role in Braga’s run to the Europa League semifinals last season, helping the Portuguese side finish fourth in Portugal’s Primeira Liga while keeping 12 clean sheets and conceding just 33 league goals. He also earned his first senior Czech Republic cap earlier this year before being included in the nation’s World Cup squad.
