Newcastle United are reportedly on the verge of completing one of the biggest goalkeeping transfers of the summer, with multiple reports from Portugal claiming that Sporting Braga goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček is expected to sign for the Magpies today after the club activated his €30 million release clause. While Newcastle have been strongly linked with the Czech international in recent days, local outlet Diário do Minho now reports that the deal has accelerated dramatically and is entering its final stages.
According to the Portuguese reports, Newcastle have decided to meet the full value of Horníček’s release clause, removing the need for lengthy negotiations with Braga. The 24-year-old is also said to have accepted the move to St James’ Park, with personal terms no longer considered an obstacle.

The biggest indication that the transfer is nearing completion is Braga’s reported decision not to include Horníček in their squad for tomorrow’s UEFA Champions League qualifier. The goalkeeper is expected to remain out of the matchday plans as the final paperwork surrounding his move to England is completed.
Newcastle’s pursuit of a new first-choice goalkeeper has intensified throughout the summer after missing out on several other targets. James Trafford ultimately chose Leeds United, while other goalkeeping options failed to materialise. Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s recruitment team have therefore turned their attention to Horníček, who enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Braga last season and has developed into one of Portugal’s highest-rated young goalkeepers.
Standing nearly two metres tall, Horníček has built a reputation for his commanding presence, excellent shot-stopping ability and composure when playing out from the back. Those qualities have reportedly convinced Newcastle that he can become the club’s long-term No. 1 as they continue rebuilding the squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The Czech goalkeeper has been on the radar of several clubs across Europe in recent months. Benfica were believed to be monitoring his situation, while Hull City previously matched Braga’s release clause before Horníček personally rejected the move because he wanted to continue competing at the highest level. Newcastle’s interest, however, has offered him the opportunity to play in the Premier League, a challenge he is now reportedly ready to embrace.
For Braga, losing their first-choice goalkeeper is undoubtedly a major blow, particularly on the eve of an important Champions League qualifier. However, the Portuguese club inserted the €30 million release clause into Horníček’s contract knowing that any club willing to trigger it would be impossible to stop.
From Newcastle’s perspective, the signing would represent another significant statement in the transfer market after weeks of speculation surrounding the goalkeeping position. Supporters have been eager to see the club secure a reliable long-term solution between the posts, and Horníček appears to fit the profile perfectly.
Although an official announcement from either club had not yet been made at the time of writing, all indications suggest the transfer is entering its final phase. If everything proceeds as expected, Horníček could soon become Newcastle United’s newest signing and one of the headline arrivals of the summer transfer window.