Manchester United are ready to jump into the transfer market to sign a new goalkeeper, with academy graduate Radek Vitek attracting interest from newly promoted Hull City
Manchester United are open to selling Radek Vitek (Image: Jasper Wax/Getty Images)
Manchester United have shortlisted Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow and Wolves’ Sam Johnstone to sign their new number two. The Red Devils want to sign an experienced shot-stopper to support Sene Lamence, Andre Onana appears to have no future at Old Trafford and Altai Vaindir could be on the move.
Academy graduate Radek Vitek is set to return to United for pre-season training after impressing on loan at Bristol City, but the Czech has made it clear he does not want to play second fiddle. Vitek, 22, is reportedly being watched by newly promoted Hull City and has two years left on his contract, with United accepting that a permanent departure may be best for all parties.
The paper added that United would only loan Vitek out again if he signs a new contract. His departure, which the Red Devils would like to avoid, could leave 40-year-old Tom Heaton as Lamence’s only backup.
That’s why United are looking to sign Darlow and Johnstone. Both players, aged 35 and 33 respectively, have Premier League experience and could be counted among United’s homegrown players.
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In fact, Johnston was a product of United’s academy, but he never made a first-team appearance until he left in 2018, seven years after making his professional debut on loan. Meanwhile, Darlow progressed through the ranks at Nottingham Forest.
The Wales international was Leeds’ first choice last season and played a key role in helping them avoid relegation, but his contract expires next week. As for Johnston, he played in 12 league games as Wolves advanced to the Championship.
After 15 years and seven loan spells, Johnston decided to leave United while David de Gea was still in his prime. “Obviously it was a difficult decision to leave United, but I can’t wait forever if I can pay off my loan, gain experience and still be in the number one spot whenever David de Gea comes back,” he explained in 2021.
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Karl Darlow is set to become a free agent (Image: Ed Sykes/Getty Images)
Sam Johnston at Manchester United (Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
“You get a taste for playing every week and when you get to a certain age you want more than just going to training every day hoping you’ll get an opportunity, but I doubt that will happen. Deep down I knew I wasn’t going to play for Manchester United and I needed to go a different route.”
Johnston’s career could now come full circle and he could end up playing under manager Michael Carrick, who was a star player during his time in United’s academy. His relationship with the Timberwolves expires in 2028.
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