Manchester United could see one of their loanees save them £25 million amid his impressive performances in the Championship this season.
Manchester United are likely to want a new goalkeeper to sign and compete with Senne Lammens between the sticks next summer due to the possible departure of three players.
United technically have four first-team goalkeepers on their books, with Altay Bayındır, Tom Heaton, and André Onana alongside Lammens, although the latter is currently on loan at Trabzonspor.
Heaton’s contract is set to expire in June 2026, while Onana’s career at Old Trafford is almost certainly over after two seasons of inconsistent performances. At the same time, Bayındır may look to leave United in the coming summer window to play consistent football.
Therefore, come the end of the season, United may have Lammens as their only senior shot-stopper, and would likely want to bring in a new shot-stopper to compete with the Belgian.
Vitek impressing on loan in Bristol
Radek Vitek has never played a senior competitive appearance for United, but has always impressed during pre-season and in the Academy. Earlier this summer, the Czech was sent on loan to Championship side Bristol City, where he has shone.
On Saturday afternoon, the 21-year-old was on fire once again as his side defeated Norwich 1-0, with boss Gerhard Struber waxing lyrical about his commanding and authoritative performances since signing for The Robins.
“Very impressed, very impressed, and sometimes even a little bit surprised,” Struber said of the goalkeeper, via Bristol Post. “He’s 21 years old, and he looks like an outstanding, experienced Championship goalkeeper.”
“In this direction, he’s highly talented – I’ve told you this many times – high potential, and today, again, we can see the consistency in his performances. This makes him very, very interesting for sure.”
Vitek can save United a hefty transfer fee
According to various reports, United are still planning on signing another goalkeeper in the coming transfer windows, possibly as early as January, with Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez still firmly on their radar.
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United opted against signing the Argentina international in favour of grabbing Lammens, in part due to the possible costs of bringing Martínez to Old Trafford, at upwards of £30 million.
Next summer, if United try again to sign the 33-year-old, he could cost as much as £25 million, cosndiering that his current Villa contract does not expire until 2029.
But, if Vitek’s good form and rapid improvement continue over the coming months, then United may be able to use the 21-year-old in their squad as competition for Lammens, and not have to spend £25 million on another goalleeper, and could instead strengthen in another position.
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