Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek has officially requested to leave the club this summer, seeking regular first-team football. The 22-year-old confirmed his desire to depart following United’s 1-0 pre-season defeat to Wrexham on Saturday, stating he is “ready to go somewhere again and hopefully be number one.”
Vitek spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Bristol City, where he enjoyed a highly successful campaign. He was recognized with the Championship club’s Players’ Player of the Year award, as well as being named the Supporters Club & Trust’s Men’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year. Despite this form, Vitek indicated he does not foresee a pathway to consistent playing time at Old Trafford.
He joined Manchester United from Czech side Olomouc in 2020, but has yet to make a competitive appearance for the club. The goalkeeper has spent the last three seasons on loan at Accrington Stanley, Blau-Weiss Linz, and Bristol City, gaining valuable experience in senior football. His current contract with United is set to expire in 2028, but the club are reportedly open to a sale.
Vitek stated he is open to both a permanent transfer and another loan move, adding, “It depends on what the club wants and also on the options. There has been a few interests on the table. We're hoping to choose the best one and hopefully it will happen soon.” Manchester United have already completed the signings of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Karl Darlow this summer, but manager Michael Carrick is expected to continue strengthening the squad.
The club are also actively pursuing additions in midfield, at left-back, and on the left wing ahead of their return to the Champions League. Outgoings have included Rasmus Hojlund’s sale to Napoli for €44 million, and the departures of Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia upon the expiration of their contracts. The potential exits of Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford are also being considered as the transfer window progresses.
