Middlesbrough are close to securing a permanent transfer for goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who spent the 2023‑24 season on loan at Bristol City.
Vitek, 22, recorded 12 clean sheets in the Championship, placing him among the division’s top performers and demonstrating his readiness for regular first‑team action.
The club seeks to strengthen competition between the posts, as current starter Sol Brynn carried most of the goalkeeping burden last season.
Adding Vitek would provide a credible alternative to Brynn, addressing the need for two reliable custodians in a promotion‑focused campaign.
Vitek has expressed a clear desire for weekly playing time, acknowledging that his prospects at Manchester United have narrowed after the club signed Karl Darlow for cover.
Having made no senior appearances for United over six years, a permanent move offers Vitek a realistic pathway to become a first‑choice goalkeeper.
Middlesbrough’s recent acquisition of forward Max Arfsten reflects an overall strategy to reinforce the squad, but the goalkeeping position remains a priority that may require swift action to secure Vitek’s services.
