Looks like Leeds United are looking at Braga goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček. However, the Premier League side may find negotiations difficult this summer.
Horníček enjoyed an impressive campaign in Portugal. The goalkeeper made 55 appearances for Braga across all competitions and established himself as one of the league’s standout performers during the season.
His league numbers also explain why clubs are circling. Hornicek conceded 32 goals and kept 12 clean sheets in 33 Liga Portugal matches during the 2025/26 campaign. Braga allowed a goal every 93 minutes with him in net. Meanwhile, his goals conceded average stood at 0.97 per 90 minutes.
The Slovak also posted a 69.16% save percentage after stopping 74 of the 107 shots he faced in the league.
Daniel Farke’s side are expected to strengthen several areas of the squad, and a goalkeeper is among the positions under assessment. And this could be an opportunity to sign one of the best prospects in the continent.
Challenging news from Portugal
Portuguese outlet Bola na Rede report Leeds have identified the 23-year-old as a target. They seek reinforcements between the sticks ahead of the new season.
However, Braga president António Salvador is expected to take a hard stance on the club’s key players after already agreeing the sale of Rodrigo Zalazar to Benfica. The Portuguese side are not showing any willingness to negotiate for Lukáš Horníček at this stage.
Braga’s position appears to have hardened after Zalazar’s departure. Furthermore, the Slovak goalkeeper is viewed as one of the pillars they do not want to lose during the same window.
But Lukáš Horníček is not only attracting attention from England. The report states Benfica and Porto are also monitoring the situation.
Both Portuguese giants could enter the market if they lose their current first-choice goalkeepers. Benfica may need a replacement for Anatoliy Trubin, who is a Tottenham target. Meanwhile, Porto are facing continued uncertainty around Diogo Costa, who could join Liverpool or Chelsea.
Braga want new contract
Still, Braga wants to keep Horníček and are already looking at renewing his contract.
There is also the World Cup factor. Horníček has been included in Slovakia’s preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup, and a strong tournament would likely increase both his profile and valuation.
For now, Leeds appear to be at the information-gathering stage rather than advancing towards a formal offer.
Braga’s stance suggests any move would require a significant proposal. That could force Leeds either to spend heavily or explore alternative targets before the market accelerates deeper into the summer.