Newcastle United have completed the signing of Czech Republic goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga for £25.7 million, activating his release clause to secure a five-year contract with the 24-year-old.

Hornicek traveled to Newcastle's training camp in Spain over the weekend to wrap up the deal, capping a whirlwind few days for the keeper. "The last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster from when I first heard about the move and now I'm so happy to be here," he said. "It's a brilliant opportunity in a new league, which I'm very excited about."

The new signing spoke warmly of his reception at the club. "From the very first moment I arrived here, I received a fantastic welcome and really felt the warmth of the club," Hornicek added. "I know Newcastle is a huge football city, with 52,000 fans at St James' Park creating an incredible atmosphere. I can't wait to play in front of them."

A keeper with pedigree

Newcastle's recruitment team had monitored Hornicek closely after he registered seven clean sheets during Braga's run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals last season — the most of any goalkeeper in the competition. Opta data also showed he ranked second for successful passes (846) and fourth for passing accuracy (75 percent) among all goalkeepers in Portugal's top flight.

Sporting director Ross Wilson praised the goalkeeper's rapid development. "His progress in recent years has been remarkable. He has firmly established himself as one of Europe's top young goalkeepers," Wilson said. "We knew there would be no shortage of clubs interested in Lukas this summer, but it quickly became evident how keen he was to be a part of what we are building here."

Filling a pressing need

The arrival addresses one of Newcastle's most urgent concerns heading into the new campaign. The club conceded 55 goals in the Premier League last season — keeping just eight clean sheets — finishing 15th in goals conceded, above only relegated sides and struggling clubs including West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United, and Tottenham Hotspur.

Nick Pope made a number of costly errors throughout the season, while Aaron Ramsdale failed to establish himself during his loan spell and has since returned to Southampton. A reliable number one became a clear priority.

At 6ft 6in, Hornicek carries the physical presence that Premier League football demands, and his composure on the ball offers head coach Mattias Jaissle — whose appointment is expected to be formally confirmed soon — a goalkeeper capable of contributing to build-up play. Having already signed youngsters including Ewen Jaouen, Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure, and Aladji Bamba this summer, Newcastle have in Hornicek their most experienced addition of the window as a new era begins on Tyneside.