RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesBRAGA, PORTUGAL - JANUARY 22: Lukas Hornicek of SC Braga lies on the floor with the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between SC Braga and Nottingham Forest FC at Estadio Municipal de Braga on January 22, 2026 in Braga, Portugal. (Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United’s search for a new first-choice goalkeeper has reportedly taken an unexpected turn after missing out on several preferred targets.
The Magpies remain determined to strengthen between the posts before the new Premier League season after signing young goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen earlier this summer and only having a struggling Nick Pope as a semi-playable keeper heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
According to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones , Newcastle has now switched its attention to Sporting Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek following setbacks in its pursuit of Manchester City’s James Trafford and Brighton’s Carl Rushworth.
“Newcastle United have switched sights to Sporting Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek,” Jones reported. “Newcastle have now asked about Hornicek and the deal could be agreed quickly if all parties wish to proceed.”
The report adds that Hornicek rejected a move to Hull City earlier this summer despite the Championship club matching his £25.9 million release clause.
“We even had one [a concrete approach],” Braga president Antonio Salvador said. “The player himself, Hornicek, refused. There was a proposal from England… but the player felt he shouldn’t go to that club and we were happy for him to stay.”
Jones reports that Portuguese giant Benfica has also made enquiries in recent days, while Newcastle accelerated its interest after Trafford opted for a move to Leeds United and doubts emerged over Rushworth’s lack of Premier League experience.
Hornicek, 24, enjoyed a breakout campaign as Braga’s first-choice goalkeeper last season, recording 12 clean sheets in 33 Liga Portugal appearances before starring in the club’s UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying victory over Zeleznicar Pancevo this week.
The Daily Mail’s report, however, doesn’t include information about any formal bid being submitted for now, with Benfica’s threat of hijacking yet another Magpies deal still looming.
Newcastle seems to be prioritizing the addition of a bona fide No. 1 goalkeeper before the transfer window closes, and Hornicek has now emerged as one of the biggest targets and alternatives after deals for Trafford and Rushworth stalled or were simply not considered good enough.
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