Newcastle United sign keeper Lukas Hornicek for £25.7m

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Czech Republic international goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Portuguese side Braga for a fee of 25.7 million pounds. The 24-year-old finalized a five-year contract over the weekend after traveling to the club's training camp in Spain, with Newcastle activating a release clause to secure his services.

Hornicek expressed his excitement about the move, stating that the opportunity to join a club of Newcastle's stature in a new league was a major draw. He specifically highlighted the atmosphere at St. James' Park and the warm welcome he received from the club. The goalkeeper becomes Newcastle's second signing for the position this summer, following the earlier acquisition of 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen from Reims, but is viewed as the new established first-choice.

The transfer addresses a clear area of need for the team. Last season, Newcastle managed only eight clean sheets in the Premier League and conceded 55 goals, a defensive record that ranked 15th in the league. While the outfield players shared responsibility, the goalkeeping department was identified for an upgrade, with Nick Pope making several notable errors and loanee Aaron...