Newcastle United have completed the signing of Czech goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Portuguese side Braga in a deal worth £25.7 million, with the 24-year-old agreeing to a five-year contract after the club triggered his release clause.
Hornicek travelled to Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in Spain over the weekend to complete the transfer, becoming another key addition during a busy summer rebuild at St James’ Park. Although the Magpies had already signed 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Reims earlier in the window, the club remained determined to recruit an experienced first-choice keeper ahead of the new campaign.
Speaking after the move was confirmed, Hornicek described the transfer as an unforgettable moment.
He admitted the process had been an emotional experience from the first contact, adding that he was thrilled to join Newcastle and embrace the challenge of playing in the Premier League. The Czech international also praised the reception he received upon arriving at the club and said he was eager to experience the atmosphere created by more than 52,000 supporters at St James’ Park.
Newcastle had monitored Hornicek closely following an outstanding 2025-26 season with Braga. He recorded seven clean sheets during the Portuguese club’s run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, the highest total by any goalkeeper in the competition.
His distribution also stood out statistically. According to Opta, Hornicek completed 846 successful passes in Portugal’s top division last season, ranking second among goalkeepers, while his 75% passing accuracy placed him fourth in the league.
Sporting director Ross Wilson praised the goalkeeper’s development, describing his progress over recent years as exceptional. Wilson said Newcastle believed Hornicek had established himself among Europe’s leading young goalkeepers and revealed the club faced strong competition for his signature before the player made it clear he wanted to join the project on Tyneside.
Strengthening the goalkeeping department had become one of Newcastle’s top priorities after a disappointing defensive campaign last season. The Magpies managed only eight Premier League clean sheets and conceded 55 goals, leaving them among the division’s weakest defensive sides, with only relegated Burnley, West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur allowing more.
While defensive issues were not solely the responsibility of the goalkeeper, Nick Pope endured a difficult season that included several costly mistakes leading directly to goals. Aaron Ramsdale, who spent the campaign on loan at Newcastle, failed to secure the number-one role permanently and has since returned to Southampton.
The signing continues Newcastle’s strategy of recruiting talent from across Europe. Earlier this summer the club brought in Jaouen, Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure and Aladji Bamba, all aged 20 or younger. Hornicek, despite being only 24 himself, arrives as one of the more experienced additions.
The towering goalkeeper, who stands 6ft 6in, only established himself as Braga’s regular starter around 18 months ago. He is now expected to adapt quickly to the demands of English football, with his commanding aerial presence and confidence playing out from the back expected to fit the style Newcastle hope to implement under incoming head coach Mattias Jaissle, whose appointment is expected to be confirmed shortly.