Vladimir Smicer has been talking about Newcastle United.
The former Liverpool and Slavia Prague star referring back to the summer transfer window.
As well as club football, Vladimir Smicer played many times for the Czech Republic and it is one of his countrymen who he’s particularly interested in.
That player is Lukas Hornicek who arrived at St James’ Park in early August 2026.
At the time, Sporting Braga stated that Newcastle United had agreed to pay £26.2m for the goalkeeper.
Vladimir Smicer now telling Grosvenor Sport: “Lukas Hornicek and Newcastle United have been two massive surprises for me this season because I knew of him as a goalkeeper in the Portuguese leagues and suddenly he’s doing so well for them in the Premier League.”
Looking back to early August the former Czech Republic star reflecting: “When he signed for Newcastle I spoke to some people about him and they all told me, you will see! He’s been good for them so far, a good signing. He’s a really big player. Very tall. He’s not afraid to do anything as a goalkeeper. He’ll do whatever he has to do to stop a goal.”
Lukas Hornicek has swiftly made a very positive impression both with his shot-stopping and distribution.
Vladimir Smicer adding: “I think he’s a very big reason why Newcastle have done well so far and I wish him the best because maybe he can become an important player for the Czech national team too. I think Newcastle United have done very well to sign him.”