Newcastle United will have to make history if they want Lukas Hornicek this summer.
The Magpies are among the clubs linked with the Braga goalkeeper, but the Portuguese side have made their position increasingly clear over recent weeks – they want the full €30m (£25.9m) release clause.
That figure would not only represent a significant investment for Newcastle. According to Record, it would also make Hornicek part of Portuguese football history.
€30m move would be a rare deal
If Braga receive their asking price, Hornicek would become the club’s most expensive goalkeeper sale ever.
More notably, he would become just the second goalkeeper to leave Portuguese football for more than €20m (£17.3m). The only previous example remains Ederson’s €40m (£34.6m) move from Benfica to Manchester City in 2017.
Braga’s stance has become increasingly firm throughout the summer. Hull City had a bid worth up to €30m (£25.9m) rejected. This is because the proposed payment structure failed to satisfy the Portuguese club. Also, the goalkeeper himself was unconvinced by the move.
That leaves Braga with little reason to soften their demands as interest continues to grow.
Rise from prospect to prized asset
Hornicek’s rise has been quite gradual. The Czech goalkeeper arrived from Pardubice in 2019 as a teenager. He initially featured for Braga’s academy before working his way into the senior squad.
He eventually became the club’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper following Matheus’ move to Ajax in January 2025.
His breakthrough campaign came last season. Hornicek made 55 appearances in all competitions. He kept 24 clean sheets and impressed in both domestic football and the Europa League.
Those performances also earned him his senior Czech Republic debut before a place in the country’s World Cup squad. This further increased his profile across Europe.
Newcastle are the latest club to be credited with an interest, but Record’s report suggests Braga are in no mood to negotiate below their valuation.
If Eddie Howe’s side decide Hornicek is the goalkeeper they want, matching the Portuguese club’s €30m (£25.9m) demand could mean completing one of the biggest goalkeeper transfers in the history of Portuguese football.
