After striking gold with Senne Lammens last summer, Manchester United are now facing the loss of another highly-rated young goalkeeper, with Radek Vitek attracting a host of clubs, with Celtic reportedly in the running.
Climbing the ranks
Vitek, 22, joined Manchester United as a 16-year-old from Czech side SK Sigma Olomouc, rising quickly at Old Trafford with a string of impressive performances.
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Just as the Vsetin native was ready for his first taste of senior football, a loan deal with Accrington Stanley was agreed. This was then followed by similar spells with Blau-Weiß Linz of Austria and, last season, Bristol City.
Vitek stood out for the Robins, having initially been signed as back-up to Max O’Leary, the long-time No.1 who suffered a serious ankle injury in pre-season last summer.
That O’Leary left Ashton Gate six months after Vitek’s arrival is testament to how impressive the Czech under-20 international was among his adopted team. The 6’6″ giant easily adapted to the direct and physical nature of football, producing a series of eye-catching performances that quickly endeared him to Bristol City fans.
This sentiment resonated with the South West side, where Vitek won the accolades at the end of the campaign as he won Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year.
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Celtic join the race
Despite this incredible form, Vitek will leave Manchester United this summer, either on loan or transfer, because he wants to play regular first-team football.
Lammens’ successful performance as No.1 leaves no room for the young No.2. With Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir both set to leave, United have already lined up a new Belgian backup by agreeing to the free transfer of Wales international Karl Darlow.
Tom Heaton penned a new contract last month to maintain his position as third choice, having developed an excellent relationship with Lammens. The English veteran is understood to be an important figure in the dressing room.
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So the goal line has left Vitek intending to leave, although no decision has been made as to whether it will be permanent or temporary. But this hasn’t stopped a number of clubs expressing interest, including Bristol City, who are keen on his return, Premier League newcomers Hull City and Scottish giants Rangers.
Another part of Glasgow has also now entered the race, however, Celtic has entered the red race, according to Football Insider. The Hoops, fresh from their 56th Scottish league title, are in the market for a new goalkeeper, as manager Martin O’Neill has publicly confirmed.
With two years left on Vitek’s Old Trafford deal, Celtic are hoping United will opt to cash in this summer. The report states that he is “expected to be sold this summer”, although it notes that it will not be an easy task to bring him to Celtic Park.
As an academy graduate, the sale of Vitek would constitute a ‘pure profit’ from PSR’s point of view, making any transfer fee a huge boost to United’s budget.
Photo by Ed Sykes via Getty Images
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