Newcastle moves on from Trafford, backs Hornicek instead
Newcastle signed Czech goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga. This came after their two-year pursuit of James Trafford failed.
Newcastle spent two years trying to sign James Trafford. He's an England international goalkeeper.
But the 23-year-old chose Leeds instead this summer. Coach Eddie Howe wanted to bring Trafford in.
Howe believed Trafford would eventually replace Nick Pope, the aging first-choice keeper. The club made multiple bids.
Yet Trafford chose the move to Elland Road. Lukas Hornicek arrived from Portuguese club Braga to fill the gap.
The Czech Republic international has made a good impression at St James' Park. Newcastle's leaders believe they found one of Europe's top young goalkeeper prospects.
- 23 years old
- Trafford age
- two years
- Newcastle pursuit
- Braga, Portugal
- Hornicek origin
- head coach and leading proponent
- Howe role
Why it mattersTransfer pursuits can shift direction when a target signs elsewhere. Sometimes the replacement even proves just as capable.
AustraliaNewcastle is followed by Australian football fans; this reshapes the team's goalkeeping plans for their Premier League season.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 d ago
