Newcastle activates release clause for goalkeeper

Newcastle United's leadership is accelerating transfers despite the surprise departure of manager Eddie Howe. The Magpies are set to appoint Matthias Jaissle, currently manager of Al-Ahli, to replace Howe. Three weeks before the Premier League kickoff, the club still needs to complete its squad. Jaissle will welcome four new players: Bazoumana Toure, Aladji Bamba, Sean Steur, and Ewan Jaouen, all under 20 years old.   The departures of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer have freed up funds for Newcastle, but the club must compensate for these sales. The potential sale of captain Bruno Guimarães to Arsenal would further complicate the situation. Despite several missed opportunities, the recruitment of a goalkeeper finally appears to be materializing. The Magpies were among the Premier League clubs interested in Zion Suzuki, Parma's goalkeeper, whose transfer to Juventus has been mentioned. Newcastle has finally activated the release clause of Lukas Hornicek, 24, with the Portuguese club Braga. According to Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, the fee is €30 million (£24.5 million or $34.3 million). This move marks the beginning of a revamp of the goalkeeper sector at Saint James' Park. Hornicek, scouted for over a year by the Magpies' recruiters, is regarded as one of Europe's most promising young talents. Hornicek joined Braga as a junior after a successful trial. He quickly integrated the first team, making 17 league appearances during the 2024-2025 season. Last season confirmed his status, with 33 league appearances and nearly a full season. Braga thus reached the Europa League semifinals. The Czech goalkeeper has represented his country at all youth levels, from under-16 to under-21. He earned his first senior cap in a match against Kosovo before the 2026 World Cup. Although included in Miroslav Koubek's squad, he did not play in the tournament, which ended with two losses and a draw. Newcastle's Premier League season will begin with a home match against Liverpool on Sunday, August 23. In the meantime, the club will need to finalize departures and arrivals to field a competitive team from the start of the championship. Hornicek's arrival will allow iconic goalkeeper Nick Pope to leave the club.