Manchester United are on the verge of finalizing a sale of Radek Vitek to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough, with a buy-back clause included in the deal.
Manchester United's second senior departure of the summer is set to be goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who has been with the club since 2023. Vitek spent last season on loan in the second tier with Bristol City, where he took another step forward and made his desire to play senior soccer known to United at the start of the summer.
Vitek has spoken openly about his ambition of breaking into United's first team, but Senne Lammens currently holds the number one spot at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old has two years remaining on his contract at United and has been a subject of interest for several clubs.
Middlesbrough, who recently signed two U.S. Men's National Team stars, are set to make Vitek their new goalkeeper. The club has been strengthening their squad, and the signing of Vitek would be a significant boost to their goalkeeping department.
The deal is expected to be finalized soon, with Vitek set to become United's second senior departure of the summer following Tyler Fredricson's exit. Leicester City's acquisition of Mads Hermansen (£6 million/$7.9 million) and Southampton's signing of Daniel Peretz (£6 million/$7.8 million) represent the Championship's record fees for goalkeepers.
Vitek has had a successful loan spell in Europe with Austrian club FC Blau-Weiß Linz, where he started every league game except three due to injury. He has also spoken about his desire to be a number one goalkeeper, and it remains to be seen whether he will achieve that goal at Middlesbrough.
In a recent interview, Vitek addressed his future with reporters, saying "I feel great and ready to go again somewhere to be, hopefully, number one, so we will see. We will see what is going to happen." He also stated that he is ready for both a loan move and a permanent departure from United, depending on the club's wishes.
The buy-back clause included in the deal suggests that Manchester United may have a chance to re-sign Vitek in the future. The club has a history of using buy-back clauses to re-acquire players they have previously sold, and it remains to be seen whether they will exercise this option in Vitek's case.
Vitek's departure from Manchester United would mark the second significant transfer of the summer, following Tyler Fredricson's exit. The club's transfer activity is expected to continue, with several other players potentially leaving or joining the club in the coming weeks.
Source: Yahoo Sports