Newcastle United have secured the signing of Czech goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from SC Braga, triggering his £25.7 million release clause. Hornicek completed a medical examination in Spain before finalizing the transfer, which was approved by the club’s new manager, Matthias Jaissle.

Jaissle, who recently joined Newcastle following his departure from Al-Ahli, is currently with the squad at their training camp in La Manga. The arrival of Hornicek adds significant competition in goal and raises questions about the future of incumbent goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Despite ongoing speculation linking Pope with potential moves to Ipswich Town or Leeds United, Newcastle have struggled to finalize a transfer for him during the summer window. Both Ipswich and Leeds have since secured their goalkeeping options, reducing potential destinations for Pope.

With Hornicek now part of the squad, Pope and Ewen Jaouen remain as the backup goalkeepers. Jaouen featured in a recent friendly against Bristol City, where he made two crucial saves but conceded four goals in a 4-1 defeat. Pope took over in the second half of that match.

Newcastle are expected to clarify their goalkeeping roster in the coming weeks as they prepare for the upcoming season.