Football club AS Monaco has successfully concluded its search for a new goalkeeper, announcing the signing of Lukas Hradecky (35 years old). The experienced Finnish international has officially joined the Principality club on a two-year deal, an agreement that was made public on Friday.
A Wealth of Bundesliga Experience
The 35-year-old goalkeeper, a native of Bratislava, Slovakia, brings extensive experience from Germany`s top football league. Hradecky has made over 300 appearances in the Bundesliga, notably spending the last seven seasons as the primary shot-stopper for Bayer Leverkusen.
His impressive career includes being named to the Bundesliga Team of the Season in 2017-18, during his final campaign with Eintracht Frankfurt. More recently, he celebrated a 2023-24 Bundesliga championship and a German Cup victory with Bayer Leverkusen, showcasing his pedigree at the highest level.
International Acclaim and Club Strategy
Beyond his club achievements, Hradecky is a prominent figure for the Finland national team, for whom he has earned over 100 caps. His significant international contributions include playing in all three of Finland`s matches at Euro 2020.
Hradecky`s acquisition by Monaco coincides with a strategic move by Les Monégasques. The club plans to loan out their former first-choice goalkeeper, Radoslaw Majecki (25 years old), to Stade Brestois for the entire upcoming season. Majecki had been a starter in the 2023/24 season, playing a crucial role in Monaco`s second-place finish and subsequent qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stage. However, last season saw Philipp Köhn (27 years old) and Majecki sharing playing time in goal, with neither consistently delivering convincing performances, prompting the club`s move for Hradecky.
Recognized Excellence
Lukas Hradecky`s consistent excellence has been widely recognized throughout his career. He has been voted Finnish Sports Journalist Footballer of the Year an impressive six times. Furthermore, in 2020, he was named Sports Personality of the Year in Finland, highlighting his stature both on and off the pitch in his home country.
Looking Ahead to the New Season
Adi Hütter`s squad is currently gearing up to kick off their new Ligue 1 campaign in the Principality. Their first match of the season is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, when they will welcome Le Havre AC to the iconic Stade Louis II.
