Newcastle United have won the race for one of European football’s most promising young goalkeepers, sealing a deal for SC Braga’s Lukáš Horníček. The Magpies triggered the €30m (£25.7m) release clause in the 24-year-old Czech international’s contract, bringing an end to weeks of intense scouting and recruitment meetings on Tyneside.
Personal terms and payment structures have been fully agreed between all parties. Horníček has been granted permission to travel to Tyneside to complete his medical examinations and sign his contract at St James’ Park
Standing at an imposing 6 ft 6 in (1.97 m), Horníček enjoyed a breakout 2025–26 campaign in Portugal keeping 24 clean sheets across all competitions last season for Braga, including 11 in their run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.
Lukáš is highly regarded for his composure with the ball at his feet and sharp reflexes under high pressure.
An outstanding domestic campaign earned him Czech Republic debut in the recently concluded Fifa World Cup.
In Horníček, Newcastle have acquired a top-tier European talent with huge potential upside to lead their backline into the upcoming Premier League and European campaigns.
