‘I’ve had offers’ - Newcastle United £30m star man reveals transfer interest in honest interview
Lukas Hornicek has opened up about a busy period in his life since joining Newcastle United.
Lukas Hornicek has confirmed he snubbed offers elsewhere to join Newcastle United last month.
Toon chiefs stumped up £25.2million to trigger the 24-year-old’s release clause at Sporting Braga. Ewen Jaouen had already arrived earlier in the window to push a more experienced No.1 goalkeeper.
As for Nick Pope, he remains on the books despite being told he could leave St James’ Park. Newcastle were willing to take offers as low as £5million but no suitors showed concrete interest.
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In Hornicek, the Magpies aimed to sign a goalie who can combine Pope’s shot-stopping qualities with the ability to play the ball out from the back. The Czech Republic international - aiming to add to his solitary cap during the three-week break - has enjoyed a stellar start to life on Tyneside.
He is second (19) behind only James Trafford (20) for the most saves in the Premier League this season. It is perhaps no surprise that rival clubs were sniffing around Hornicek until Newcastle got their man.
“Honestl, when I saw it on social media, I was surprised myself,” Hornicek - who turned down a move to Hull City - said about supposed Bayern Munich and Real Madrid interest. “I had no idea about the interest of such clubs. It was more about speculation.
“I’ve had several offers. Newcastle actually joined last, but they immediately outlined the project to me. They told me what they expected from me and promised the role of number one. Plus, they acted very quickly, and there was no problem even with the money Braga wanted for me. I didn’t hesitate for a minute.”
But his arrival faced uncertainty when Eddie Howe resigned just four days earlier. Hornicek felt an initial sense of panic that his dream Premier League move could fall through.
However, it soon became clear that Newcastle - with Ross Wilson leading the recruitment drive - remained steadfast in their pursuit. He added: “You’re right, I didn’t count on it at all. I had a conversation with the sports director and goalkeeping coach.
“We talked about a lot of things, but there was no word on the change of head coach. It wasn’t until the day before I signed that the agent brought it to my attention. I immediately asked if it was changing anything for me, but nothing changed about the deal.”
Owing to the financial might of the Premier League, the fee may seem a bargain to Newcastle fans. But in Portugal, £25.2million can stretch a long way. For context, Braga only received higher sums for Roger Fernandes (£27.5millon) and Vitinha (£27million).
Hornicek is unfazed by the price tag, trusting in his skillset to become a success at Newcastle. He said: “On the one hand, it’s (the transfer fee) beautiful,” he said. “But on the other hand, I don’t deal with it. Every player has some value, and it doesn’t automatically mean I’m better than someone else.
“It’s often about what league the player is leaving, and thank God I’ve been leaving Braga, which has a big name and could ask for such money. I think I have a good mentality in this. I don’t want to say I don’t care about everything, but I’m calm.
“I believe in my experience and football potential. I’m trying to shut my head off and let the body guide me. As soon as you think too much about things like that, something just goes wrong.”
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