Newcastle United Nears Deal for Braga Goalkeeper

Newcastle United is close to finalizing the signing of Sporting Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornychik during the current summer transfer window, as the club aims to strengthen their goalkeeping position ahead of the new season.

According to The Athletic, the deal is valued at €30 million, which is the release clause in the contract of the 24-year-old goalkeeper, while negotiations are currently ongoing between Newcastle and Braga regarding the payment structure, with both parties nearing a final agreement. The English club had shown interest in the goalkeeper for days before negotiations accelerated significantly.

Signing a new goalkeeper is a priority for Newcastle this summer, as the club looks to find a successor for Nick Pope. The club has also decided not to activate the purchase option for Aaron Ramsdale following the end of his loan spell, while young goalkeeper Ewan Gough has joined the team from Reims. Meanwhile, the attempt to sign James Trafford has faltered after he agreed to move to Leeds United.

Hornicek has played 88 matches with Braga's first team, establishing himself as the starting goalkeeper since the 2024-2025 season. He made his international debut with the Czech Republic last May and was included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup, despite not having played in any matches before his country's exit from the group stage.

The Czech goalkeeper is expected to work under German coach Matthias Jaissle, who is preparing to take over at Newcastle following Eddie Howe.