Middlesbrough are keen on a move for Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek after his successful stint at Bristol City, according to Pete O’Rourke.
Middlesbrough are stepping up their activity in the transfer market as they aim to bounce back from Championship play-off disappointment. Boro completed the signing of Will Lankshear and a second arrival now appears imminent with Sebastian Berhalter closing in on a move to the Riverside.
A new goalkeeper appears next on the shopping list for Kim Hellberg’s side. Pete O’Rourke has said that Middlesbrough are looking to bring Radek Vitek to the club from Manchester United.
Vitek has been linked with a host of clubs this summer, including Celtic. He is expected to be one of the most in-demand goalkeepers on the market in this window.
Middlesbrough have enjoyed a productive summer in the transfer market, with the sale of Hayden Hackney providing a major financial boost. The academy graduate completed his long-anticipated move to the Premier League in a £25m deal.
Radek Vitek would be a major coup for Middlesbrough
Vitek enjoyed an outstanding loan spell at Bristol City last season, sweeping the club’s individual awards. A return to the Championship had initially looked unlikely, but his determination to secure regular first-team football could alter those plans.
The 22-year-old is keen to avoid another season as Manchester United’s backup. This could potentially leave the Premier League club open to a permanent sale.
Including a sell-on clause would allow United to retain a future financial interest while making Vitek a more realistic target for clubs such as Middlesbrough. That could prove particularly important if Boro are reluctant to commit to a significant transfer fee.
The sale of Hackney, along with the money they’ve received due to a sell-on clause from Morgan Rogers joining Chelsea, means that Boro have a healthy budget this summer. Vitek would not only be another big-money signing, but a very good investment for the future.
Radek Vitek’s stats for Bristol City
Games Clean Sheets Saves
41 12 134
The Verdict: Middlesbrough need to replace Sol Brynn this summer
Sol Brynn enjoyed a solid season for Middlesbrough, keeping 13 clean sheets in the Championship to finish third in the division’s standings.
The only goalkeepers to record more shutouts were Carl Rushworth and Christian Walton, who registered 17 and 16 respectively while helping their clubs secure automatic promotion.
Those figures underline the importance of a reliable presence between the posts. Middlesbrough fell short of the top two last season, and strengthening in goal could be a priority for head coach Hellberg if the club are to mount a stronger promotion challenge this time around.
Vitek is the perfect candidate for Boro to bring in between the sticks. He could well be the difference between promotion or another season in the Championship.
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Author
Charlie Hodgson has been at The72 since August 2024. Based in the North East, he is a Sunderland fan who graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in Sports Journalism and Masters in Public Relations. Charlie is a regular helping out at South Shields Football Club, writing for the matchday program whilst contributing to the 'Where Mackem's Walk' podcast. For contact, please email chodgson2002@mail.com or reach out on Twitter (@chodgson2002).
Championship, Transfers Correspondent
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