The departure of Eddie Howe is truly the end of an era for Newcastle United. A major domestic trophy after 70 years. Two runs in the UEFA Champions League.
History will be kind to the Englishman’s reign at St James’ Park, and he will go down as arguably the best manager in the club’s modern era. That being said, football does not stay still. Especially not when you are in the middle of pre-season.
It is believed that Howe had informed the club of his decision to leave a few weeks back but had agreed to stay on until they found a replacement for him. Matthias Jaissle is going to be that guy.
Jaissle comes into a tough situation. Newcastle United have been significantly weakened already and are only going to get weaker. Bruno Guimaraes seems to be heading to Arsenal. The likes of Nick Pope, Joe Willock and Joelinton are expected to depart as well. So, the Magpies need to make some quality additions as well. And it looks like they are on the verge of their first signing of the post-Howe era.
Newcastle United closing in on first signing of post-Eddie Howe era
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United have an agreement in principle with SC Braga for Lukas Hornicek. He is being brought in to be the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Newcastle United have agreed to activate his £25.7 million release clause. The Magpies are now discussing payment terms with SC Braga.
The 24-year-old Czech Republic international has been given permission to travel for a medical, as the two clubs tie up the loose ends of the deal.
If the deal does go through as expected, it would be Newcastle United’s fifth signing of the summer. And it would be more of a ready-made player, having brought in Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur, Ewen Jaouen and Aladji Bamba.
All of them are talented players. But even the oldest of them is 20. None of them has played in the Premier League. They need to be given time to find their feet in English football before high expectations are placed on their shoulders.
Hornicek set to be Newcastle’s new number one
It has been made clear that Hornicek is being brought in to be the starter for the Magpies. That hints at the impending departure of Pope, who has drawn interest from Ipswich Town.
It also makes it clear that Jaouen is not going to be in the mix to be the starter just yet. And that feels like the smart choice, as he is 20 years of age and was playing in Ligue 2 before this.
As for Hornicek, he did not seem to be Newcastle United’s first-choice goalkeeper target. The club had also been linked with James Trafford and Carl Rushworth, but they chose other clubs in England over the Magpies.
Hornicek seems good enough for that starting role though. He was the starter for SC Braga in the Portuguese top flight and his underlying numbers, which I have discussed in the past, are more than impressive. Will that translate in the Premier League? We shall see.
