Radek Vitek is suddenly one of the most wanted backup goalkeepers in English football. And he might not be a backup for long.
The 22-year-old Manchester United prospect spent last season on loan at Bristol City, where he put up real numbers: 12 clean sheets in 41 appearances. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, especially when a player is entering the final two years of his contract at a club that’s about to blow up its entire goalkeeping room.
According to the Daily Mail, Hull City has joined the chase for Vitek. They’re not alone. The report also mentions Coventry City and Ipswich Town as clubs keeping tabs on the young shot-stopper. All three teams just earned promotion to the Premier League, and all three need a reliable option between the posts.
United is reportedly not eager to sell Vitek outright. But here’s the thing: he wants to start. And with two years left on his deal, the club might not have a ton of leverage if he pushes for a move. If he’d sign an extension, United could send him out on loan again. But if he wants to be the guy somewhere, this summer might be the time to make it happen.
The bigger picture in goal at Old Trafford
Manchester United is expected to do some serious housecleaning in the goalkeeping department. Andre Onana spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Trabzonspor and while the Turkish club wants to keep him, Onana reportedly wants to fight for his spot at United. That might not matter if the club decides to cash in.
Altay Bayindir is also drawing interest from Besiktas and Fenerbahce. He wants consistent minutes, and United seems willing to let him go. So you’ve got three goalkeepers with uncertain futures and only so many roster spots.
United values Vitek at around £10 million, which for a 22-year-old with a full season of Championship starts under his belt feels like a reasonable price tag. Especially for Premier League clubs looking for a young, hungry option who won’t demand top-tier wages.
Vitek’s leverage
Vitek is in an enviable spot. He’s got interest from multiple Premier League sides. He’s young enough to grow into a starter. And he’s got the leverage of a contract clock ticking down. United might not want to sell, but if Vitek decides he wants to be the main man somewhere — and one of these promoted clubs offers him that promise — it’s hard to see how United blocks it without either extending him or promising him the starting job.
Neither of those things seems guaranteed right now.
So this one comes down to what Vitek wants: another year on loan with the security of a Premier League club’s system, or a permanent move where he’s the guy from day one. Hull, Coventry, and Ipswich are all betting on the second option.
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