Just hours after Eddie Howe’s shock exit rocked St James’ Park, Newcastle United are proving their transfer business isn’t slowing down — triggering the full release clause of Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek in a deal worth €30 million (£24.5m).
Confirmed by the Best in the Business
David Ornstein of The Athletic reports Newcastle are now finalizing the payment terms of the deal, with the formalities close to being wrapped up. TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey has echoed the same story, confirming the move is advancing toward completion as part of a comprehensive goalkeeping overhaul on Tyneside.
The End of an Era Between the Posts
This isn’t just another squad addition — it’s a changing of the guard. Hornicek’s arrival paves the way for long-serving Nick Pope to depart St James’ Park, closing the book on a goalkeeping era that also saw Martin Dubravka move to Tottenham and Aaron Ramsdale return to Southampton after his loan spell concluded.
Newcastle have already brought in France U21 international Ewen Jaouen from Reims for around £18.5 million, but Hornicek has reportedly always been viewed by the recruitment team as the long-term No. 1 they’ve been chasing for over a year.
Why Hornicek?
At 24, Hornicek has built a genuine reputation as one of the finest young shot-stoppers outside the traditional big five leagues. He kept 37 clean sheets during his time at Braga, helped the club win the Portuguese League Cup in 2023/24, and guided them to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals last season. He was part of the Czech Republic’s World Cup squad this summer, playing back-up to Matěj Kovář.
Notably, this isn’t Newcastle simply winning a straightforward race — Hornicek reportedly turned down a move to newly-promoted Hull City earlier in the summer despite Hull activating his release clause, and Benfica have also made enquiries about his availability. That makes Newcastle’s capture even more significant.
The Bigger Picture
Coming straight after Howe’s departure and with Matthias Jaissle set to take the reins, this deal sends a clear message: Newcastle’s summer rebuild isn’t pausing for managerial upheaval. If completed, Hornicek becomes the club’s fifth major signing of the window.
Bottom line: A statement of intent delivered in the middle of genuine chaos — Newcastle are showing exactly why they remain one of the Premier League’s most ambitious operators, managerial change or not.
