Newcastle Completes £25.7m Signing of Lukas Hornicek

Newcastle United signs Czech goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek for £25.7m from Braga, bolstering their squad ahead of the new season.

Newcastle United has finalized the £25.7 million acquisition of Lukas Hornicek, the Czech goalkeeper from Braga. This move is aimed at enhancing their defensive options as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Hornicek, who is 24 years old and a national team player, has signed a five-year contract with the Magpies after the club activated his release clause. Following the completion of the transfer, he immediately joined his new teammates at their pre-season training camp in Spain.

This signing comes after Newcastle had already secured 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen from Reims. However, the club felt the need for a more seasoned first-choice goalkeeper to lead their defense.

Expressing his delight, Hornicek said, “It’s a brilliant opportunity in a new league, which I’m very excited about. From the very first moment I arrived here, I received a fantastic welcome and really felt the warmth of the club. Everyone has been brilliant in helping me settle in.” He added, “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. I can’t wait to play in front of them.”

Last season, Hornicek garnered attention for his exceptional performances, including seven clean sheets in the Europa League, which played a crucial role in catching the eye of Newcastle’s scouting staff. Newcastle’s sporting director, Ross Wilson, praised Hornicek’s rapid ascent in the football world, stating, “He has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s top young goalkeepers. We knew there would be no shortage of clubs interested in acquiring Lukas 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.”

The arrival of Hornicek is pivotal for Newcastle, especially considering their defensive record, having conceded 55 goals in the Premier League last season. The new signing must quickly adapt to the intensity of English football as they gear up for their opening fixture against Liverpool on August 23. His capabilities in distribution and reflexes will be fundamental to the tactical framework under incoming head coach Matthias Jaissle, whose official appointment is expected soon.