“Hull City advances with €14.5 million for Hornicek, Braga wants 30 million.”

A million-euro proposal is shaking up the Braga-Hull axis: Hull City, recently promoted to the Premier League, has made an offer of 14.5 million euros (approximately 12.5 million pounds) plus bonuses for Czech goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, in a bold attempt to secure one of the most sought-after players in Portuguese football this summer. However, the management of the Minho club responded immediately, categorically rejecting the English approach and emphasizing that they will only negotiate for the buyout clause set at 30 million euros.

The interest from Hull City in Hornicek caught many by surprise, especially considering the status of the English club, which has just secured promotion to the Premier League for the 2026/27 season and is looking to strengthen its squad to avoid an immediate return to the Championship. According to the British newspaper ‘Daily Mail’, a proposal has already been formalized, but the officials at Sp. Braga did not hesitate to halt the progress, making it clear that the Czech international is not on the market at a bargain price. At 23 years old, Hornicek is seen as one of the greatest goalkeeping prospects in Europe, with his value continually rising, especially following his call-up to the Czech Republic national team for the 2026 World Cup.

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The news becomes even more relevant considering the crucial moment for both teams. On one hand, Hull City aims to establish itself in the elite of English football and knows that defensive solidity is vital for surviving among the top clubs. On the other hand, Sp. Braga wants to hold on to its most valuable asset at a time when Portuguese clubs are increasingly struggling to withstand the financial pressure from the Premier League. Hornicek, who played 55 official matches in the 2025/26 season – more than any other starter in Carlos Vicens’ squad – was the player with the most minutes on the field (4,970) and became a key component in the Arsenalist strategy both domestically and in European competitions.

It is important to remember that Sp. Braga is not under immediate pressure to sell, especially since their recent participation in UEFA competitions and the exponential growth of television revenues give the club’s SAD negotiating room. The club sees Hornicek as a long-term goalkeeper project and will only consider parting with the player if the €30 million release clause is fully met. This firm stance demonstrates Braga’s ambition to compete for domestic titles and make an impact in Europe, unlike in previous seasons when the early departure of talents severely affected their sporting objectives.

In the midst of this saga, Hornicek remains focused on the 2026 World Cup, where he represents the Czech Republic. In a rare statement during the national team’s training camp, the goalkeeper was direct: “I am completely focused on the World Cup and on helping my team. The future will be resolved later,” he assured, without fueling rumors. This professional attitude only reinforces his market value and increases interest from other European clubs, who are eyeing a potential negotiating opening from Braga.

The pressure on Hull City is intensifying: after securing the much-anticipated promotion, the English club needs to show fans that they are willing to invest heavily to avoid relegation. Hornicek’s arrival would be a clear signal of that ambition, but for now, the impasse continues, and the club’s SAD shows no signs of yielding. The future of the Czech international remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure: the battle for his transfer promises to be one of the major sagas of this transfer window, with potential consequences not only for the Minho squad but also for the European transfer market.

The next step will be decisive. If Hull City really wants to secure Hornicek, they will have to raise their offer and get closer to the amounts demanded by Sp. Braga. Until then, other clubs may enter the race, further inflating the price of the goalkeeper. The saga promises new chapters, and all of Europe will be watching the outcome of one of the hottest transfers of this summer.

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