Newcastle United have completed the £25.7million signing of goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from SC Braga. The 24-year-old Czech international, nicknamed 'The Iceman', has signed a five-year deal as the Magpies continue to refresh their goalkeeping department.
Second goalkeeper arrival
Hornicek is the second shot-stopper to arrive at St James' Park after Ewen Jaouen, raising questions over Nick Pope's future. The decision to sign Hornicek was sanctioned by Matthias Jaissle, who is waiting to officially become Newcastle boss. It remains to be seen whether Hornicek will begin the season as first-choice, given the competition he faces within the squad.
Portuguese media praise
Portuguese publication A Bola lauded Hornicek in January after the goalkeeper played a pivotal role in Braga's 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Europa League group stage. Hornicek saved a Morgan Gibbs-White penalty, marking his third save from the spot that campaign and his second in four days after previously denying CD Tondela's Hugo Felix from 12 yards.
A Bola reflected on Hornicek's journey through the club's academy ranks since joining from Pardubice in 2019. The report stated: "In all these contexts, he demonstrated a quality (far) above average, and within the Braga structure, it was immediately clear that he was... a gem."
Hornicek made his first team debut in October 2021 but did not become a regular in the side until January 2025. Looking back on the goalkeeper becoming number one, A Bola added: "The Czech player knew how to wait for his moment and last year he definitively grabbed the Arsenalistas' goal. And he hasn't let go since."
Impact at Braga
Overall, 'The Iceman' made 88 appearances for Braga and his absence will be felt by supporters. In January, A Bola summarised Hornicek's importance to the team: "There isn't a single member or supporter of the Minho warriors who can do without Lukas Hornicek between the posts."
The former Braga star has since met up with his Newcastle teammates during the club's pre-season camp in La Manga. Despite his successful stint in Portugal, the goalkeeper was delighted to join the Magpies.
"The last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster from when I first heard about the move and now I'm so happy to be here," he said. "It's a brilliant opportunity in a new league, which I'm very excited about."
"From the very first moment I arrived here, I received a fantastic welcome and really felt the warmth of the club. Everyone has been brilliant in helping me settle in."
"I know Newcastle is a huge football city, with 52,000 fans at St James' Park creating an incredible atmosphere and pushing the team every game. I can't wait to play in front of them."
