Overview
- Multiple UK outlets reported on Wednesday that Newcastle have moved to meet Lukas Hornicek’s release clause and that the 24‑year‑old has accepted terms, with the transfer described as advancing toward completion but not yet officially confirmed by the clubs.
- Braga withdrew Hornicek from their squad for a Europa Conference League qualifier after talks with Newcastle, a step that typically signals progressed negotiations and that the player is likely to miss the tie.
- Reports differ on the exact fee because of currency and rounding; coverage commonly cites a clause around €30m (reported in sterling between about £24.5m and £30m) as the sum framing the move.
- Newcastle have already signed young keeper Ewen Jaouen and plan Hornicek to compete for the first‑team No.1 spot, a change that is expected to put long‑serving goalkeeper Nick Pope on the market.
- Hornicek arrives on the back of strong recent form for Braga, including high clean‑sheet totals and Europa League displays, and Braga’s president has said the player has previously rejected a Premier League move; the transfer remains reported until clubs make a formal announcement.