Newcastle's defensive struggles last season are shaping their rebuilding plans this summer, according to BBC News.
The Magpies managed only eight Premier League clean sheets in 2024-25 and shipped 55 goals, a return that left them 15th in the defensive rankings — worse than relegated trio Burnley, West Ham and Wolves, as well as Leeds and Tottenham. Such numbers point to a squad whose outfield players failed to protect their goal adequately across the campaign.
Against that backdrop, towering 6ft 6in figure Hornicek is understood to be part of a new cycle at St James' Park as the club looks to tighten things up at the back. While the report gives little further detail on the player's specifics, his inclusion signals Newcastle's intent to address the leaky defence that undermined an otherwise competitive season.
With Eddie Howe having overseen an attacking side capable of competing near the top of the table, the club now appears focused on reinforcing the other end of the pitch, hoping that a sturdier defensive presence like Hornicek's can help arrest a worrying trend before it costs them again.