Manchester United are preparing to offload two goalkeepers as part of a broader restructuring of their squad this summer. Radek Vitek looks set to complete a permanent move to Middlesbrough, while Altay Bayindir is closing in on a season-long loan switch to Celta Vigo.
Vitek, a 22-year-old Czech goalkeeper, is nearing a permanent transfer to Middlesbrough, who reached the Championship play-off final last season. The move follows a successful loan spell at Bristol City, where the young shot-stopper impressed enough to attract Boro's interest. Vitek originally joined Manchester United from Sigma Olomouc back in 2020 and has also spent time on loan at Accrington Stanley and Blau-Weiss Linz before his productive stint at Ashton Gate.
According to reports, United have negotiated favourable terms in the deal with Middlesbrough, securing matching rights and a buy-back option. The agreement includes performance-related bonuses that could see the overall fee rise to as much as £14 million, with United also set to receive a sell-on clause of up to 35 per cent on any future transfer.
Meanwhile, Turkey international Altay Bayindir, 28, is edging closer to finalising a temporary move to La Liga outfit Celta Vigo. Since arriving at Old Trafford from Fenerbahce in 2023, Bayindir has largely operated as a deputy rather than a first-choice option. The loan arrangement is understood to include performance-related bonuses, with Celta Vigo also responsible for covering his wages during his spell in Spain. Should the move be made permanent, it could be worth around £3.5 million, with United again inserting a sell-on clause into the terms.
The departures of Vitek and Bayindir follow closely on from Andre Onana's loan return to Trabzonspor, underlining the scale of change taking place within Manchester United's goalkeeping department this summer.
Manager Michael Carrick is overseeing a significant squad overhaul as United prepare for a return to Champions League football following a third-place finish in the Premier League last season. With Onana, Bayindir and Vitek all moving on, Senne Lammens has emerged as the club's new number one, with summer arrival Karl Darlow brought in to provide competition and depth in that position.
The changes are not limited to the goalkeeping ranks. United have also been busy strengthening their midfield options, with Andrey Santos signed from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans joining after United activated his release clause at Aston Villa. Further additions are anticipated before the transfer window closes, as the club braces itself for a considerably more demanding campaign than last season, when they featured in just 40 matches across all competitions.
United's Premier League campaign will begin with an away trip to newly promoted Hull City on 22 August, before their first home fixture of the season against Ipswich Town eight days later. With the Champions League also on the agenda, Carrick's squad rebuild is aimed at ensuring the club can compete on multiple fronts after a challenging period.
Based on reporting from The Independent.