Release clause activated as Newcastle United line up first transfer after Eddie Howe resignation: report
Newcastle United are pushing on at full pelt in the transfer window despite the sudden departure of manager Eddie Howe.
The Magpies are set to appoint Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle as Howe’s successor but there’s work still to do on the squad with three weeks to go before the start of the Premier League season.
Jaissle will inherit new signings Bazoumana Toure, Aladji Bamba, Sean Steur and Ewan Jaouen, each a big investment in his own right but none of whom are over the age of 20.
Newcastle look to put transfer troubles behind them with goalkeeper signing
Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have both been sold this summer, adding to Newcastle’s spending power but leaving them with serious remedial work to do in what’s left of the transfer window.
The potential sale of captain Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal would only pile on the pressure even further and Newcastle’s woes have been exacerbated by a series of missed transfer targets, but the goalkeeper position looks close to a resolution.
The Magpies were one of a handful of Premier League sides credited with an interest in Parma stopper Zion Suzuki. His future was on hold for the World Cup and the Japanese international is understood to be on the cusp of a move to Juventus.
Czech Republic goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek is to become Jaissle’s first choice after Newcastle agreed with Portuguese side Braga to activate his release clause.
“Newcastle have agreed to meet Hornicek’s €30 million (£24.5m / $34.3m) release clause, with the move now advancing towards completion as the Magpies continue their summer overhaul between the posts,” reports Graeme Bailey for TEAMtalk.
“We understand that Newcastle‘s recruitment team have been monitoring the 24-year-old for well over a year, identifying him as one of Europe’s most promising young goalkeepers as they planned a major revamp of their goalkeeping department.
“Hornicek’s impending arrival will pave the way for long-serving goalkeeper Nick Pope to leave St James’ Park.”
Hornicek joined Braga as a junior after a successful trial, quickly ascending to first team football. He played 17 league matches in 2024-25 but last season was his real breakthrough thanks to 33 league appearances and an ever-present campaign as Braga reached the semi-finals of the Europa League.
The 24-year-old has represented Czech Republic at every age-group level from under-16 upwards and was given his senior debut in their win against Kosovo in the build-up to World Cup 2026.
Hornicek was named in Miroslav Koubek’s squad but didn’t feature in the tournament, which ended in abject disappointment thanks to two defeats and a draw.
Newcastle’s Premier League schedule gets underway with home game against Liverpool on Sunday, August 23.
