Newcastle United have signed 24‑year‑old Czech goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga for £25.7 million. After bringing in 20‑year‑old Ewen Jaouen, the club sought a more established number one. Hornicek flew to Newcastle’s training camp in Spain over the weekend, signed a five‑year contract and praised the club’s warm welcome.

He said he is excited to play in front of 52,000 fans at St James’ Park and highlighted his experience keeping seven clean sheets in Braga’s Europa League run, the most of any keeper in the competition. Opta data also shows him as the second‑ranked goalkeeper in successful passes and fourth in passing accuracy in Portugal’s top flight. Newcastle’s sporting director Ross Wilson praised Hornicek’s progress and said he is one of Europe’s top young goalkeepers.

The move follows a rebuild that saw only eight clean sheets and 55 goals conceded last season. With Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale underperforming, the new number one is a priority ahead of head coach Mattias Jaissle’s appointment. The acquisition also complements earlier summer signings such as Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure, and Aladji Bamba, all targeting young talent from abroad.

Hornicek’s 6ft 6in frame and composure under pressure will be key as Newcastle aim to tighten their defence and compete for European qualification.