Celtic Identify This Manchester United Keeper As A Summer Target: Why O’Neill Should Sanction The Move | OneFootball

If a recent update from transfer expert Pete O’Rourke is true, Celtic have identified Radek Vitek as one of their summer targets. But they are not alone in the race, with Premier League newcomers Hull City and the Glasgow rivals Rangers also keen on the Manchester United goalkeeper.

The 22-year-old former Czechia youth international progressed through Sigma Olomouc’s academy ranks back in his homeland before being snapped up by the Red Devils in the summer of 2020. After a spell with the reserves, he was loaned out to Accrington Stanley for senior minutes in the fourth tier of the English football pyramid.

Vitek’s impressive spell in goal earned him a season-long loan move to the Austrian top-tier outfit Blau-Weiß Linz ahead of the 2024-25 season. He helped them claim a top-half finish with 6 clean sheets in 26 league outings, and left for Bristol City in the Championship for another temporary stint. There, he featured 41 times in goal en route to securing a mid-table finish, and is now expected to leave again for regular gametime rather than staying as a third-choice keeper at Old Trafford.

Why Celtic Should Bring Him To Parkhead

Celtic are assessing several names following Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement. But a change in strategy has been observed so far, as they are chasing younger alternatives rather than opting for experience between the sticks. Dinko Horkas, Nikolas Polster, Aleksander Bobek and Tjark Ernst are the other names who were linked to a Parkhead switch over the past couple of weeks, unlike the recent past, when they brought in the veteran Dane as Joe Hart’s successor as an immediate but short-term fix.

BRISTOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Jose Cordoba of Norwich City reacts to a save by goalkeeper Radek Vitek of Bristol City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Norwich City at Ashton Gate on April 18, 2026 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Simon Galloway/Getty Images)

The Hoops currently have Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan among their goalkeeping options. Schmeichel’s injury was a blessing in disguise for Sinisalo, as the Finnish shot-stopper stepped in and delivered en route to conquering the ‘domestic double’. However, Doohan has not been involved at all since returning to his boyhood club, which prompts the need for a new custodian to challenge and cover Sinisalo in the last line of defence.

Vitek is hailed for his shot-stopping ability, massive physical frame, and command of the box. At 6’6″, he exhibits sheer dominance in the air when claiming crosses and has drawn widespread praise for his ability to execute crucial, acrobatic reaction saves. The youngster is still prone to occasional developmental mistakes while rushing off the line to sweep or claim high balls. But he would flourish with more minutes under Martin O’Neill if the Celts secure his services in due time.