Newcastle United have signed goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga in a deal worth £25.7m.
The 24-year-old joins on a five-year contract after Newcastle met his release clause with the Portuguese club. He has been brought in to be the first-choice goalkeeper.
The Czech Republic international becomes Newcastle’s fifth summer signing following the arrivals of Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba.
Hornicek 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.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Saudi Pro League commentator Joe Morrison highlights some key attributes of Newcastle’s incoming boss Matthias Jaissle
“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.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Jamie Redknapp backs former Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe to get back into management at a ‘top club’
Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson added: “I’m delighted to welcome Lukas 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 Lukas 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 Lukas 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.”
In
Bazoumana Toure – Hoffenheim, £42m
Aladji Bamba – Monaco, £35.5m
Sean Steur – Ajax, £23m
Ewen Jaouen – Reims, £18.5m
Lukas Hornicek – Braga, £25.7m
Out
Sandro Tonali – Tottenham, £100m
Anthony Gordon – Barcelona, £69.3m
Joe White – Crewe, undisclosed
Travis Hernes – Groningen, undisclosed
Matt Targett – Hull, free
Charlie McArthur – York, free
Ezra Tika-Lemba – Middlesbrough, free
Kieran Trippier – Wolves, free
Odysseas Vlachodimos – Sevilla, loan
Harrison Ashby – Luton, loan
Antonio Cordero – Cadiz, loan
Emil Krafth – released
John Ruddy – released
Max Thompson – released