Hornicek joined Braga in 2019 Silas Stein / AFP via Getty ImagesJuly 31, 2026 7:30 am EDT Updated Newcastle United are close to completing the signing of Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek.The Athletic reported on Tuesday Newcastle were interested in signing Hornicek, 24, who has a release clause of €30million in his Braga contract.Newcastle are in the process of negotiating the payment terms with the Portuguese club and a deal for the goalkeeper is advancing towards a conclusion.The signing of a new goalkeeper has been a priority for Newcastle this summer, with a successor to Nick Pope desired. Newcastle did not take up an option to make Aaron Ramsdale’s loan from Southampton permanent, which enabled 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen to join from Reims.
The Athletic reported in June Newcastle had rekindled their interest in James Trafford, but Leeds United have since agreed a £40million deal for the Manchester City goalkeeper.Hornicek made his international debut for Czech Republic in May and was part of the nation’s 26-player squad for this summer’s World Cup, but he did not feature as his team were eliminated in the group stage.Hornicek spent 10 years in the youth system of Czech club Pardubice before joining Braga, initially on a loan arrangement, in 2019.He has made 88 first-team appearances for Braga, where he was instilled as first-choice goalkeeper during the 2024-25 campaign.The anticipated move would see him work under incoming Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle, who is set to be announced as Eddie Howe’s successor in the next 24 hours.
