Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Thu 19 March 2026 10:10, UK

Lukas Hornicek would be the perfect addition for Leeds United in the summer if they are to sign a new goalkeeper.

And doing so will be crucial to their hopes of progressing, given the struggles the Whites have found in the goalkeeping department over the last 12 months.

Lucas Perri has endured a nightmare debut season in England, and while Karl Darlow has been an improvement, he too has shown flaws that will prevent Leeds from picking up points over the course of a campaign.

MOT Leeds News revealed that Hornicek is one of those being eyed by Leeds ahead of a potential summer move, having impressed for Braga.

Leeds are expected to have another big recruitment push, and he could be the first through the door.

What would Lukas Hornicek change at Elland Road?

You’d have to go back several seasons before Leeds had a goalkeeper who placed faith in the defenders in front of him, with none of the three currently at Elland Road having been able to do that.

Hornicek would be able to achieve that very quickly, with his stats from the current league campaign showcasing the strengths he has to offer.

First and foremost, the Czech goalkeeper has prevented 2.67 goals in the league for Braga this season, with both Darlow and Perri having conceded more than expected for Leeds in the Premier League.

His 69.9 per cent save percentage showcases his shot-stopping ability, while his 78 per cent pass accuracy showcases his ball-playing talents.

Only 5.9 per cent of goalkeepers in the Portuguese top flight have completed more passes than Hornicek this season, which is a testament to how much composure he has when playing the ball out from the back.

The one risk behind Hornicek transfer for Leeds

At 23 years old, Hornicek is still remarkably young for a goalkeeper, with many having to wait until their late 20’s to enter their prime.

And with that can often come a lack of experience, which then turns into several mistakes which can ruin a player’s confidence.

This is only his second full season in the senior side at Braga, meaning a move to the Premier League, to a side that is still likely to be under the cosh in most games, would be a risk.

But as seen with Robin Roefs’ move to Sunderland, it may be a risk that is worth taking.