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Manchester United has finalized the departure of Czech goalkeeper Radek Vitek, selling him to Middlesbrough in a deal potentially worth up to £14 million. This transfer makes the 22-year-old Vitek the most expensive goalkeeper in Championship history.
The previous records were held by Leicester City for signing Mads Hermansen (approximately £6.5 million) and Southampton for Daniel Peretz (£6.05 million).
United has included a buy-back clause in the agreement, along with the right to match any future offer for the player. Additionally, the club has secured 35% of any future sale fee.
Vitek has been part of the Red Devils' academy since the pandemic summer of 2020 but never made a first-team appearance in the Premier League. His matches were primarily in friendlies, including two during the current pre-season.
The Czech international was loaned out three times. First, the 6ft 6in stopper joined Accrington Stanley on a six-month loan in January 2024. He then moved to Austrian club Blau-Weiss Linz for the 2024/25 season, another successful stint away from Old Trafford. Last season, Vitek gained valuable Championship experience on loan at Bristol City, which sparked interest from other clubs in the division.
Meanwhile, another goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, also left Manchester United yesterday, joining Celta Vigo on loan.
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