Newcastle United signed Lukas Hornicek from Sporting Braga for £25.6million last week.

Lukas Hornicek has declared that he aims to establish himself as Newcastle United’s first-choice goalkeeper this season.

The Czech international signed for the Magpies from Sporting Braga last week after Toon chiefs activated his £25.6million release clause. Hornicek rejected a move to Hull City earlier in the window - but a Newcastle approach proved too good to turn down.

Alongside Ewen Jaouen, he is one of two goalies signed by the Magpies this summer. Nick Pope, the No.1 on Tyneside since 2022, remains at the club - but Hornicek is not shy to state his Newcastle ambition.

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‘100%’ - Lukas Hornicek

“One hundred per cent,” he said when asked if he wants to be first-choice. “I would like to establish myself as the No.1 goalkeeper. I'd like to think of myself as an all-round goalkeeper.

“I'm good at a lot of things, but if I had to pick one strength, it would be reading the game, coming off my line and dealing with balls played in behind. Of course, there's always plenty to work on because you're never the perfect goalkeeper. You have to keep improving so you're as prepared as possible for every game.

“I know it's still a long way to go because we have so many good goalkeepers. Nick, Mark, Ewan and Aidan as well. They're all working hard and we're pushing each other to the limit so we can all become the best version of ourselves before the season starts.”

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Lukas Hornicek on Newcastle United fans

Hornicek also highlighted the St James’ Park crowd as a deciding factor - but joked he is not looking forward to the Newcastle weather. The shot-stopper added: "I haven't been to Newcastle yet, as you know, because I've been here in Spain, and it's been really nice. The weather and everything has made it easier because the approach has been almost the same.

“Honestly, I'm looking forward to being in Newcastle because of the fans, the stadium and everything around it. I'm really looking forward to playing there. I've been told the fans are amazing and that they live for football.

“I'm really excited to play at St James' Park for the first time because I feel like the atmosphere will be nothing like I imagined - it'll be even better than I expect. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is the weather because they told me it's a little bit cold, so that's the only thing!”

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