Leeds United 'tracking' Braga's World Cup-bound Czech Republic goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek
Leeds United mooted as a potential destination for Braga’s Lukáš Horníček
Leeds United are reportedly tracking Braga’s Lukáš Horníček as they prepare to strengthen their goalkeeping department.
Last summer, the Whites forked out a reported £15.6m to prise Lucas Perri from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon. He was signed to be the club’s new number one after Illan Meslier’s struggles with form.
Perri instead suffered a fate smiliar to Meslier’s, delivering a series of unconvincing displays that prompted manager Daniel Farke to promote Karl Darlow from his understudy role.
Darlow finished the 2025/26 campaign as the main man between the sticks and reports have indicated he is in line for a new deal.
Leeds United ‘tracking’ World Cup bound goalkeeper
However, Football Insider have claimed Leeds are still planning to sign another goalkeeper despite their desire to retain Darlow.
A list of potential targets is said to have drawn up and 23-year-old Horníček reportedly features on it. While he is not thought to be top of the list, it appears he is a player under consideration.
The 23-year-old has spent the entirety of his senior career on Braga’s books and was their first-choice Primeira Liga stopper last term.
He is currently gearing up to head across the pond for the World Cup having made Czech Republic’s final squad.
Goalkeeping uncertainty at Leeds United
There is plenty of uncertainty hanging over Leeds’ goalkeeping department, but one development looks inevitable.
Seven years after his initial loan move to LS11 from Lorient, Meslier looks set to seek pastures new as a free agent.
He could be followed out of the door by Perri, who is unlikely to be content with another prolonged period on the bench. Darlow, meanwhile, has been reported to be a potential transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur.
Alex Cairns is the other goalkeeper in the Leeds stable and like Meslier and Darlow, is due to see his contract expire at the end of the month. Clarity may be provided when Leeds eventually publish their retained list.