​If recent reports from transfer expert Pete O’Rourke prove accurate, Celtic have earmarked Radek Vitek as one of their summer targets. They are not alone in pursuing the Manchester United goalkeeper, however, with Premier League newcomers Hull City and Glasgow rivals Rangers also said to be keen. The 22-year-old former Czech youth international developed through Sigma Olomouc’s academy before catching the eye of Manchester United in the summer of 2020. After progressing through the reserve ranks, he spent time on loan in the lower tiers, gaining first-team minutes with Accrington Stanley in League Two.
Vitek’s standout displays earned him a season-long loan to Blau-Weiß Linz in Austria for the 2024-25 campaign, where he helped the club finish in the top half of the table and kept six clean sheets across 26 league appearances. His form there paved the way for a temporary move to Bristol City in the Championship, where he featured 41 times and helped the Robins secure a mid-table finish. With regular game time now a priority, Vitek is seen as a candidate to leave Old Trafford again to continue his development rather than remaining as a third-choice option.
Celtic are weighing several options as they reassess their goalkeeping plan following Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement. The club’s strategy appears to be shifting toward younger, more dynamic keepers rather than sticking with an experienced option. Linked names include Dinko Horkas, Nikolas Polster, Aleksander Bobek, and Tjark Ernst, underscoring a broader search that moves away from the recent past when Celtic opted for an immediate veteran fix to replace Joe Hart.
At present, Celtic’s goalkeeping roster includes Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan. Schmeichel’s injury earlier in the season proved something of a turning point, as Sinisalo seized the opportunity to establish himself and help Celtic clinch a domestic double. Doohan, meanwhile, has hardly featured since returning to his boyhood club, prompting the need for another reliable custodian to challenge Sinisalo and provide coverage in the all-important position.
Radek Vitek is widely praised for his shot-stopping prowess, his imposing 6’6” frame, and his command of the box. He is particularly noted for his aerial ability, excelling in claiming crosses and making crucial, acrobatic reaction saves. Like many young goalkeepers, he can occasionally make positional or decision-making errors when sweeping, rushing off the line, or anticipating high balls. Yet his potential remains evident, and he would likely flourish with more minutes in a higher-pressure environment under a manager such as Martin O’Neill if Celtic secure his services in the near future. If Celtic can strike a deal, Vitek could provide genuine competition for Sinisalo and offer a credible path to regular first-team football, aligning with the club’s evolving recruitment strategy focused on younger, long-term prospects rather than short-term fixes.