Manchester United are set to sell goalkeeper Radek Vitek to Middlesbrough in a deal that could be worth up to £14 million, including bonuses. The 22-year-old Czech keeper is expected to join the Championship club following a strong season on loan at Bristol City. Vitek, who joined Manchester United from Sigma Olomouc in 2020, has also had temporary spells with Accrington Stanley and Austrian side Blau-Weiss Linz before his impressive stint at Ashton Gate.
As part of the transfer agreement, Manchester United reportedly retain a buy-back option for Vitek, valued at up to £14 million, as well as a 35 percent sell-on clause. This move comes amid changes in United’s goalkeeping roster ahead of the new season. Michael Carrick’s number one choice in goal is now Senne Lammens, who is joined by recent signing Karl Darlow. The arrival of Darlow on a free transfer follows André Onana’s loan departure to Turkish club Trabzonspor.
In a related development, Turkish international goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is poised to move to La Liga club Celta Vigo on a loan deal. This loan switch is nearing completion, further signaling a reshuffle in Manchester United’s goalkeeping lineup.
The sale of Vitek and the loan of Bayindir indicate United’s efforts to stabilize and refresh the goalkeeper position, focusing on players ready to compete immediately while managing longer-term prospects through buy-back clauses and loan arrangements. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough, who finished as runners-up in the Championship play-offs last season, are strengthening their squad ahead of another promotion bid.