Newcastle sign Braga keeper Hornicek for £25.7m

Newcastle United have signed goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga for a fee of £25.7 million. The 24-year-old Czech international joined the club after his release clause was activated, signing a five-year contract. Although Newcastle had previously signed 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen from Reims this summer, they were also searching for a more established first-choice keeper.

Hornicek's impressive performances for Braga, including seven clean sheets during their Europa League semi-final run, caught the attention of Newcastle's sporting director, Ross Wilson. Wilson praised Hornicek's progress, stating that he has firmly established himself as one of Europe's top young goalkeepers. The club's decision to sign Hornicek comes as they aim to rebuild their squad, particularly in the goalkeeping department, following a leaky season last year when they kept just eight clean sheets and conceded 55 goals.

Despite Hornicek's relatively short time at Braga, he has already shown his value as a regular starter, standing at 6ft 6in and capable of playing out from the back. His arrival will add a new dimension to Newcastle's team as they embark on a new cycle under head coach Mattias Jaissle.