Manchester United have officially confirmed the permanent departure of highly rated goalkeeper Radek Vitek.
The 22-year-old has [completed his move to Middlesbrough](http://Radek Vitek seals EFL move https://www.manutd.com/en/news/radek-vitek-seals-efl-move-to-middlesbrough-1) in a deal worth up to £14 million, including add-ons.
United have also reportedly negotiated a 35% sell-on clause, ensuring they retain a significant financial interest in his future.
The club have also included matching rights and a buy-back clause in the transfer agreement.
Vitek moved to United academy from Sigma Olomouc in 2020.
Three loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Blau-Weiss Linz and Bristol City gave him valuable experience away from Old Trafford.
It was at Championship side Bristol City where Vitek truly announced himself, producing an outstanding campaign with 136 saves and a 71% success rate.
Vitek kept 12 clean sheets, only five fewer than league leader Carl Rushworth, despite the latter playing five additional matches.
His contributions were rewarded by the end of the campaign as he bagged the Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards at Bristol City.
United would ideally have kept the Czech goalkeeper at Old Trafford and allowed him to battle Senne Lammens for the number one position.
However, Vitek’s desire for regular first-team football ultimately made an immediate departure the most sensible solution for his development.
United will now have a keen eye on his progress at Middlesbrough, particularly because a successful spell could help them unlock up to £7 million in additional fees.
The buy-back clause also gives United a valuable safety net, allowing them to bring Vitek back to Old Trafford if he develops into the goalkeeper they believe he can become.
Stats from Fotmob.com