Newcastle United have completed the signing of goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga in a deal worth £25.7 million.
The Magpies had already added 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen from Reims this summer but remained in the market for a more experienced first-choice goalkeeper.
Hornicek, 24, travelled to Newcastle's pre-season training camp in Spain over the weekend to finalise the move after the club activated his release clause. The Czech Republic international has signed a five-year contract.
"The last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster from when I first heard about the move, and now I'm so happy to be here," Hornicek said.
"It's a brilliant opportunity in a new league, which I'm very excited about. From the very first moment I arrived, I received a fantastic welcome and really felt the warmth of the club. Everyone has been brilliant in helping me settle in.
"I know Newcastle is a huge football city, with 52,000 fans at St James' Park creating an incredible atmosphere and pushing the team every game. I can't wait to play in front of them."
Newcastle had closely monitored Hornicek's progress after an outstanding campaign with Braga. He kept seven clean sheets during the club's run to the Europa League semi-finals last season – the most by any goalkeeper in the competition.
The 24-year-old also impressed with his distribution. According to Opta, he ranked second among goalkeepers in Portugal's top flight for successful passes (846) and fourth for passing accuracy (75%) last season.
Sporting director Ross Wilson hailed Hornicek as one of Europe's brightest young goalkeepers.
"Lukas' progress in recent years has been remarkable," Wilson said.
"He has firmly established himself as one of Europe's top young goalkeepers.
"We knew there would be no shortage of clubs interested in signing Lukas this summer after everything he achieved last season, but it quickly became evident how keen he was to be a part of what we are building here."
