Radek Vitek Completes Permanent Transfer from Manchester United to Middlesbrough

Manchester United have officially sold goalkeeper Radek Vitek to Middlesbrough in a deal that could reach £14 million. The transfer includes a 35% sell-on clause, matching rights, and a buy-back option for the Old Trafford club.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Bristol City in the Championship, where he kept 12 clean sheets in 41 matches. His impressive performance caught attention, and when it became clear he preferred regular first-team football over being a backup, the permanent move was arranged.

“Radek has been a model professional throughout his time with the club and a popular member of our Academy squads. United would like to place on record our thanks to Radek for his time at the club, and wish him all the best in his next step.”

Vitek joined Manchester United in 2020 but never played competitively for their first team. Instead, he went on loans to Accrington Stanley, BW Linz, and most recently Bristol City. Standing 6ft 6in tall, the goalkeeper had been involved in United’s pre-season for 2026-27, yet his desire for a starting spot led to this transfer.

The goalkeeping order at United is now set with Senne Lammens as number one, new signing Karl Darlow as number two, and Tom Heaton as number three. Meanwhile, Andre Onana returned to Trabzonspor on loan, and Altay Bayindir moved temporarily to Celta Vigo.

Vitek’s Vision at Middlesbrough

“It feels great to be here. This is a new challenge for me and I’m really excited to be a Boro player. The project here is very impressive, because you can clearly see the ambition and where the club wants to go. I’m delighted to now be part of that. The mission is clear: to go to the Premier League. I think everyone at the club has that mindset, and I want the same thing. Now I just can’t wait to get started.”

Middlesbrough now have their goalkeeper in place. Whether Vitek can lead their promotion push will reveal more about his progress. Stay tuned to TipsGG for updates on the Championship and transfer news.

• Transfer Fee: Up to £14m
• Sell-on Clause: 35%
• Additional Terms: Matching rights, buy-back option for Manchester United
• Age: 22 years
• Height: 6ft 6in
• Last Season Loan Club: Bristol City
• Clean Sheets Last Season: 12 in 41 appearances
• Loan Clubs Prior to Move: Accrington Stanley, BW Linz, Bristol City
• United Goalkeeper Hierarchy Post-Move: Senne Lammens (#1), Karl Darlow (#2), Tom Heaton (#3)
• Other Goalkeeper Movements: Andre Onana loaned to Trabzonspor; Altay Bayindir loaned to Celta Vigo