Man Utd sign off on goalkeeper loan transfer amid Emi Martinez frustration
Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek has signed a new contract with the Red Devils before completing a loan move to Bristol City. The 21-year-old is a product of the club's academy and has regularly been afforded chances to train with the first team at Carrington.
But instead of joining the side on their pre-season tour, Vitek has penned a new deal until the summer of 2028 and straight away moved to Championship side Bristol City on a season-long loan. The Czech Republic youth international has previously had spells on loan with Accrington Stanley and Austrian side Blau-Weiß Linz.
On completing his move to Ashton Gate, Vítek said: 'I'm really excited, for me the Championship is a new level. More games is a big positive for me and I can't wait to get to know all the players and staff better.'
Vitek will now hope to earn more experience having been tipped for big things by Academy lead goalkeeping coach Tommy Lee. He said: "Radek has done great out there in Austria.
'He got an injury early on but recovered extremely well and played really well. He has got really good experience there. I think we often use Radek as an example to some of the younger goalkeepers in the Academy.
'He is a player who maximises every part of the programme to ensure he is the best he can possibly be. Nutrition, gym, analysis. He is the consummate professional and that is going to take him, I believe, to the top level.
"He is a talented boy and that needs to be said. He's 6ft 6ins and that always helps! For the other lads, their challenge is to be as good as Radek and do everything he does and more. He is a great example of someone who does that."
Vitek's departure comes amid uncertainty within the goalkeeping ranks at Old Trafford. Current number one Andre Onana 's future is up in the air following a tricky couple of campaigns during his time with United.
Ruben Amorim's side have been linked with a host of potential replacements including Aston Villa star Emi Martinez. United have already lodged a loan bid for the 2022 World Cup winner but that was rebuffed by the Midlands side.
Senne Lammens of Royal Antwerp has also emerged as a potential option for United, albeit would be a far less experienced option that Martinez.
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