Hornícek close to Newcastle move as Benfica shun €30m clause | OneFootball

Newcastle are in advanced talks to sign Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornícek, while Benfica chose not to pursue a deal at the €30m release clause.

According to Glorioso 1904, Hornícek was on Benfica's shortlist this window, yet the board led by Rui Costa did not file a formal offer to Braga.

Braga maintained a firm stance, telling all suitors that only a bid matching the €30m release clause would prompt a sale.

Faced with that figure, Benfica did not even open talks, judging the price to be outside their market strategy, so the 24-year-old remained under observation.

The Czech international is expected to head to the Premier League, with Newcastle prepared to pay the full clause to meet Braga's condition.

Any prospect of the keeper moving to the Estádio da Luz has faded, and Benfica did not consider entering an auction at €30m.

Source: Glorioso 1904