Published Aug 1, 2026, 12:40 PM GMT+1

Charlie is a football writer and assistant editor on FootballFanCast.com and has worked for the company for a number of years.

He began with Snack Media during his time at UCFB’s Etihad Campus, and after graduating in 2019, has held full-time roles on the Read Network and The Transfer Tavern.

Charlie has covered a variety of sports during his time with the company and has been a correspondent for football clubs both in England and Scotland.

It’s safe to say the last few weeks have been one of the most eventful pre-seasons in Newcastle’s recent history.

Missing out on a number of key transfer targets earlier in the window including Johan Manzambi and Victor Munoz, who joined Aston Villa and Liverpool respectively, the Magpies have also sanctioned the departures of several influential players, including Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, while Bruno Guimaraes could be next with a move to Arsenal.

Those exits have left some supporters questioning the direction of the club ahead of the new Premier League season. Newcastle's pre-season has lacked momentum on the pitch too, with a heavy defeat to Bristol City highlighting the work still required before the new campaign.

To make matters worse, shortly after the 4-1 loss at Ashton Gate, news emerged of Eddie Howe's departure after five years in charge.

The club have moved quickly to appoint Howe’s successor, though. Matthias Jaissle is set to be confirmed as Newcastle's new head coach after a compensation package was agreed with Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli.

REUTERS/Stringer

The German is set to meet his new squad during their training camp in Spain ahead of next weekend's friendly against Valencia.

Now, the former Red Bull Salzburg boss looks set to receive the backing with a swift first signing.

Newcastle agree deal to sign Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek

According to Sky Sports News, Newcastle have agreed a total package for Hornicek worth €30m (£25.7m), with the 24-year-old now expected to travel for a medical after being granted permission by Braga.

Rumours earlier this week indicated the club would trigger his release clause, and they have now reached full agreement with the Portuguese club.

Nicknamed the "iceman" for his calmness under pressure, Hornicek has developed into one of Europe's most promising young goalkeepers during his time at Braga.

Standing at 6 foot 7, the Czech international combines an imposing presence with excellent reflexes and is comfortable playing out from the back - qualities that make him an ideal fit for Jaissle's possession-based style.

His agent, Bernd Gabriel, called Hornicek an “exceptional goalkeeper”, also highlighting the “enormous progress with his feet” he has made in recent times.

The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign in Portugal in 2025/26, making 55 appearances in all competitions and earning praise for his shot-stopping, command of the penalty area and composure in possession.

Those attributes have seemingly convinced Newcastle to activate his release clause, despite already strengthening the goalkeeping department with the addition of Ewen Jaouen from Reims earlier this summer.

It will be interesting to see who impresses Jaissle between now and the start of the campaign, with Nick Pope another option to continue as first choice at St James’ Park.