Leeds United’s interest in Lukas Hornicek feels like further evidence the club already know the goalkeeper position is becoming a major issue ahead of the new season.
According to Portuguese outlet Bola Ne Rede, Leeds want Braga’s Lukas Hornicek, but the growing focus on signing another goalkeeper arguably says just as much about the uncertainty between the sticks.
Agree or disagree – Lucas Perri was a waste of money at £15.6m 😤
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Lucas Perri’s difficult spell has raised fresh questions despite Leeds spending £15.6m to bring him to Elland Road, while Karl Darlow is out of contract in June. Tottenham want the veteran goalkeeper.
Leeds suddenly look like a club preparing to act before the situation around their goalkeepers becomes even more uncertain. Now, they are preparing to act, with a move for Braga goalkeeper Hornicek.
Braga have watched Hornicek develop into a major asset
Hornicek joined Braga from Pardubice in 2023, but the Czech goalkeeper truly established himself during the 2025-26 campaign. Indeed, Hornicek is without doubt one of the best shot-stoppers in Portugal.
The 23-year-old made 33 Liga Portugal appearances, keeping 12 clean sheets while recording a 69.16% save percentage. He also finished the league season with 74 saves.
Those numbers help explain why Braga are expected to resist interest after already sanctioning Rodrigo Zalazar’s departure earlier this summer. But, there is a ceiling and Braga will sell if a price is agreed.
Leeds are chasing a goalkeeper Europe is already watching
Leeds are not the only club monitoring Hornicek, with the initial report indicating that Porto and Benfica also interested in the Braga goalkeeper. That is, if Porto’s Diogo Costa and Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin leave.
The growing attention around Hornicek has extended beyond Portugal too, with reports in February claiming Real Madrid have been monitoring the 23-year-old as a possible backup goalkeeper option.
That level of interest suggests Leeds are not simply looking at a stop-gap option. Hornicek is increasingly viewed as one of the more promising young goalkeepers currently playing in European football.
DISCUSS: He might be 35, but Leeds have to give Darlow a new deal! 🧤
Tottenham are lurking…
Braga are in a strong position over any transfer talks
Any move for Hornicek is unlikely to come cheaply given the goalkeeper still has a contract until 2028.
His agent Pavel Zika recently said: “It’s no secret: he’s worth €30m (£26m). In Spain and Portugal, these clauses are usually considered a starting point for negotiations.
“I think a figure close to €20m (£17m) is realistic. Although Lukas has a contract with Braga until 2028.”
That stance leaves Braga holding significant leverage if Leeds decide to seriously pursue a deal in the coming weeks.
Leeds targeting Hornicek feels like a reflection of both urgency and ambition. The club suddenly have real uncertainty in goal, but their interest in one of Europe’s emerging young goalkeepers suggests they are aiming considerably higher than a short-term fix.
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