Newcastle sign Braga keeper Hornicek for £25.7m

Newcastle United signed goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga for £25.7m. Hornicek, 24, flew to Newcastle's training camp in Spain at the weekend to finalize his move and sign a five-year contract after the club activated his release clause. Hornicek, a Czech Republic international, stated, "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."

Newcastle had previously brought in 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen from Reims this summer. The club had been in the market for a more established number one. Hornicek kept seven clean sheets during Braga's run to the Europa League semi-finals last season, which was the most of any goalkeeper in the competition. He also said, "It's a brilliant opportunity in a new league, which I'm very excited about. From the very first moment I arrived here, I received a fantastic welcome and really felt the warmth of the club. Everyone has been brilliant in helping me settle in." He added, "I know Newcastle is a huge football city, with 52,000 fans at St James' Park creating an incredible atmosphere and pushing the team every game. I can't wait to play in front of them."