Newcastle United have made four signings so far this summer. Not much experience or proven quality has been added to the club as a result of it though. Even the oldest of them is 20 years of age.
More experience could be headed out of the club over the coming weeks. For quite some time, it has been rumoured that Nick Pope is going to leave this summer.
There is only a year left on Pope’s contract at St James’ Park. And Ipswich Town seem to be keen to add the 34-year-old goalkeeper to their ranks.
If Pope does leave, Newcastle United would need to find a replacement for him. It looks like a 24-year-old, a goalkeeper a decade younger than the Englishman, is on their radar.
Sky Sports journalist confirms Newcastle United’s interest in goalkeeper
According to Keith Downie, Newcastle United are aware of Lukas Hornicek, and they like him. But no offers have been made for the 24-year-old goalkeeper. The Magpies could add another goalie this summer, having already signed Ewen Jaouen from Reims.
It’s reported that the Czech Republic international has a release clause of £30 million. He is interesting a number of Premier League clubs, and has already turned down Hull City.
That release clause should not really be a concern for Newcastle United if they are convinced that Hornicek is the right man for the job. He is the kind of profile that could solve the club’s goalkeeping issue for the next decade to come, if the move works out.
Newcastle were heavily linked with a move for Manchester City’s James Trafford all summer. It would have likely taken a transfer fee higher than £30 million to sign him. But now, it looks like he is keen on a move to Leeds United instead, ending the Magpies’ hopes of bringing him to St James’ Park.
James Trafford transfer plans appear to have been ruined
In many ways, Trafford would have been the perfect signing. He is proven in English football. Even at Manchester City, even though he was a backup goalkeeper to Gianluigi Donnarumma, he helped them win both domestic cup competitions.
Unfortunately, he appears to be leaning towards a move to Leeds United. On the other hand, the Magpies seem to have Hornicek as one of the goalkeepers they would like to sign.
Obviously, there is going to be more of a risk involved. He has played his entire career for SC Braga. Do not get me wrong, that is a very good level.
That being said, one cannot deny that there is a jump involved, going from the Portuguese top flight to the Premier League. Not everybody is capable of dealing with that.
