Lukas Hornicek: Everything you need to know about £29.5m Newcastle target nicknamed 'the Iceman'

Newcastle United have reportedly added Lukas Hornicek to their list of potential targets in between the sticks this summer.

The 24-year-old Braga goalkeeper is said to have a release clause worth £29.5million and is being tracked by various clubs across Europe.

The Magpies are keen to sign a new number one this summer, having already added Ewen Jaouen to their squad.

Hornicek could be the man to take on that role for Newcastle, with any such move to be followed by Nick Pope's departure.

James Trafford had been the main target across several windows, but decision-makers have now dropped their interest and the Manchester City stopper looks to be heading to Leeds United.

Newcastle have been pulled apart this summer, and there appears to be a clear effort to invest in young players.

Who is 'exceptional' Lukas Hornicek?

Hornicek began his career with Sokol Dobrikov, before he was signed by Pardubice in 2009.

There, he would rise up the ranks before going on loan to Braga's academy in 2019 and eventually signing on a permanent deal.

After biding his time, Hornicek got his chance in January 2025 when Braga manager Carlos Carvalhal, impressed by the goalkeeper's displays in other competitions, decided to start him over the veteran Matheus.

He would never look back. The Czech international has played nearly every game since, making 55 appearances across all competitions last season and impressing as Braga made it the Europa League semi-final.

A move away has appeared to be coming for some time now, and Hornicek appears ready to take the next step.

Speaking to FcInterNews in February when the goalkeeper was linked with Inter Milan, his agent, Bernd Gabriel, said: "Lukas is an exceptional goalkeeper.

"Although his talent has been recognized since he was young, he's not a goalkeeper who approaches every stage of his development at full speed. He approaches each stage methodically, yet he constantly advances.

"What particularly sets him apart is his stoic calm. It's impossible to read the emotion on his face. That's why he's called the Iceman. As for his footballing ability, he's made enormous progress with his feet."

"It's true that Lukas has also attracted the attention of other clubs, such as the Premier League. As things stand, it will certainly be an exciting and eventful summer transfer window," he added.

The stats that explain why Newcastle want Hornicek

Last season, Hornicek kept 12 clean sheets in 33 matches and conceded just 33 goals as Braga finished fourth.

The 24-year-old maintained a 69.2 per cent save percentage in Liga Portugal and did not make a single error leading to a goal throughout the league campaign.

Impressively, Hornicek prevented 7.54 goals across both the league and the Europa League, saving three penalties from nine faced.

The goalkeeper also ranks highly for sweeping and long passing, which should suit Newcastle.

For just £29.5m, Hornicek may well be an ideal option for the Magpies in their hunt for a new number one.