Newcastle United look set for another busy month in the transfer window, and after agreeing a deal for goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, a defensive addition is emerging as the club’s next priority.
The Magpies have already splashed more than £140 million on new signings, funded in large by the sales of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.
Winger Bazoumana Toure has arrived to inject pace and creativity into the attack, while highly-rated midfielders Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba have been recruited as long-term investments. Goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen has also joined to provide depth between the sticks but is expected to play second fiddle to Hornicek.
Lukas Hornicek’s move to Newcastle | |
|---|---|
Current status | Newcastle have agreed to trigger Hornicek’s release clause, with the goalkeeper granted permission to travel for a medical. |
Transfer fee | Release clause: €30m (£25.7m) |
Role at Newcastle | Hornicek is expected to arrive as Matthias Jaissle’s first-choice goalkeeper, replacing Nick Pope as Newcastle’s long-term No.1. |
Why Newcastle want him | The 24-year-old is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young goalkeepers thanks to his shot-stopping, commanding presence and composure in possession. |
Impact on current squad | Hornicek’s arrival may push Pope towards the exit, while summer signing Ewen Jaouen is likely to develop as the deputy goalkeeper. |
Likelihood | The clubs have reached an agreement, the release clause has been met, just the structure of payment terms, medical and contract to be signed. |
The rebuild has also extended beyond the playing squad. Eddie Howe has now departed, Newcastle have moved quickly and are set to appoint Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach.
Set to swap Saudi Arabia for St James’ Park, Jaissle is expected to be joined by Hornicek. Newcastle have agreed to trigger the Braga goalkeeper’s release clause, with the Czech international set to become Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The 24-year-old’s commanding 6ft 7 presence, distribution and composure in possession make him highly rated in Europe, however, Newcastle’s recruitment drive is far from over.
Newcastle want full-back signing after Hornicek
According to Sky Sports, the Magpies are looking to sign a versatile full-back capable of playing on both the left and right as PIF look to further strengthen the Newcastle defence before the transfer window closes.
The move makes plenty of sense given Newcastle’s current situation. Lewis Hall continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United, raising uncertainty over the club’s long-term options at left-back. Even if Hall remains at St James’ Park, Newcastle are light in the position following Matt Targett’s permanent departure to Hull City.
The right side has also undergone significant change. Veteran full-back Kieran Trippier left the club on a free transfer this summer, while Emil Krafth ended his seven-year stay, leaving Newcastle short of experienced cover across both full-back positions.
Bringing in a player capable of operating on either flank like Trippier would provide valuable flexibility while reducing the need for multiple signings. Such a profile may also fit Jaissle’s attack-minded and possession-based philosophy.
With Hornicek expected to become signing number five of the summer, Newcastle’s attention now appears firmly fixed on completing another shrewd piece of business, making this one to keep an eye on.
