Newcastle United are now interested in signing Braga star Lukas Hornicek, as their search for a new goalkeeper continues.
With Aaron Ramsdale joining Southampton, and Nick Pope potentially in the latter stages of his career at 34-years-old, Newcastle have set their sights on a new shot-stopper, and they have already signed Ewen Jaouen from Reims.
However, Jaouen is still inexperienced at 20-years-old, which means it could be important to bring in another new goalkeeper, and Hornicek established himself as Braga’s first choice last season, making 33 appearances in the Liga Portugal.
The 24-year-old kept 12 clean sheets during that time, before going on to make his international debut for Czechia in a friendly at the end of May.
Agent Bernd Gabriel also spoke very fondly of the Braga star back in February, saying: “Lukas is an exceptional goalkeeper. Although his talent has been recognized since he was young, he’s not a goalkeeper who approaches every stage of his development at full speed.
“He approaches each stage methodically, yet he constantly advances. What particularly sets him apart is his stoic calm. It’s impossible to read the emotion on his face. That’s why he’s called the Iceman. As for his footballing ability, he’s made enormous progress with his feet.”
Lukas Hornicek’s Liga Portugal performance in 2025-26
- 2,960 minutes played
- 2.25 saves per 90
- 1.0 goals conceded per 90
- 74.9% pass-completion rate
- 0 errors leading to a goal
Newcastle enter race to sign Lukas Hornicek
According to a report from Sky Sports, Newcastle have now stormed into the race to sign Hornicek, who has a £30m release clause in his Braga contract.
As per Sky journalist Keith Downie, the Braga star has already turned down a move to Hull City this summer.
However, the Czechia international is just one of many options on the Magpies’ shortlist, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carl Rushworth and Parma star Zion Suzuki also under consideration.
|
Which goalkeeper should Newcastle sign? |
|
|---|---|
|
Lukas Hornicek |
Hornicek has Europa League experience, keeping seven clean sheets in 14 appearances in the competition for Braga last season. However, £30m would be a relatively expensive transfer fee for a goalkeeper who has only ever played in Czechia and Portugal domestically. |
|
Zion Suzuki |
Como scout Ben Mattinson has lauded Suzuki as “phenomenal”, and he has proven himself in one of Europe’s major leagues, averaging 3.3 saves per 90 in 20 Serie A appearances for Parma last season. The 28-cap Japan international also starred at the World Cup, making four appearances en-route to a round of 32 exit at the hands of Brazil. |
|
Carl Rushworth |
Unlike the two aforementioned goalkeepers, Rushworth has proven himself in England, keeping 17 clean sheets in 46 appearances en-route to Coventry achieving promotion to the Premier League last season. However, while the 25-year-old has tested himself at each level of the EFL, he is yet to play in the top tier, potentially making him a risky addition to Eddie Howe‘s squad. |
Manchester City’s James Trafford was also a target for Howe’s side, but the England international is now set to join Leeds United in a £45m deal.
