'Emotional rollercoaster' - Newcastle United sign Hull City-linked goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek in £25.7m deal
Newcastle United have signed a goalkeeper who had been linked with Hull City
Newcastle United have signed Hull City-linked goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček from Braga for a reported £25.7m.
The 24-year-old had established himself as one of the most revered stoppers in Portugal’s top flight and made his Czech Republic debut earlier this year.
He had been linked with Hull, who embarked on a goalkeeper hunt following their promotion to the Premier League.
The signing of another goalkeeper to challenge Jack Butland does not appear particularly unlikely, but Horníček will not be heading to the MKM Stadium.
Newcastle United sign Hull City-linked goalkeeper
He has been unveiled as the latest addition to the Newcastle ranks, completing a permanent move and penning a five-year deal.
After putting pen to paper, he said: “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. 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.
“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.”
‘One of Europe’s top young goalkeepers’
Newcastle’s sporting director Ross Wilson added: “I’m delighted to welcome Lukáš to Newcastle United. His progress in recent years has been remarkable and he has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s top young goalkeepers.
“We knew there would be no shortage of clubs interested in acquiring Lukáš this summer after everything he achieved last season, but it quickly became evident how keen he was to be a part of what we are building here.
“I’m really pleased we’ve able to conclude the deal swiftly, which has enabled Lukáš to join the squad during the opening days of our pre-season training camp in Spain. Being here for the next week will only benefit him as he gets to know his new team-mates and coaching staff.”