One factor in Man Utd, Middlesbrough transfer that must be annoying for Steve Gibson | OneFootball

Middlesbrough will have one major concern from their deal to sign Radek Vitek from Manchester United

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Declan is a football writer and podcaster who has worked in the media industry since 2021.

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Middlesbrough have won the race to sign Radek Vitek from Manchester United after a number of clubs showed an interest in his signature.

Kim Hellberg’s side are aiming to earn promotion to the Premier League next season after losing in the play-off final just a couple of months ago.

The Teesside outfit haven’t competed in the top flight since 2017, but have been quite active in the transfer market to ensure they remain competitive in the upcoming campaign.

The goalkeeper spent last season on loan at Bristol City, where he earned a lot of plaudits for his performances despite the Robins falling to 12th in the table.

And now he is set for a permanent move to the Riverside after Middlesbrough struck an agreement worth £14 million, according to journalist Keith Downie.

Boro have already completed six signings this summer, and the Czech shot-stopper is in line to become the seventh addition.

Steve Gibson will be frustrated at one factor in Radek Vitek deal

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It’s been claimed that Middlesbrough will pay £7 million up front to Man United in the deal for Vitek, which is a great piece of business for the club.

The shot stopper’s move could climb to £14 million with add-ons, and if those milestones are hit then it’s likely been a successful move for the player and Boro.

So in that case, the add-ons aren’t too big of an issue for owner and chairman Steve Gibson.

However, a buy-back clause has also been inserted into the deal, meaning the Premier League side could sign him back for a set fee in the future.

While this is a great deal on paper for Middlesbrough, Gibson will be wary of this buy-back option being utilised in the future.

If it does come to it, then there’s no doubt that Boro will receive a good fee for his services, and it will leave the club with a tidy profit.

However, it does set a limit on how much he could be valued at in the future as the buy-back price will set the market.

And while Senne Lammens has done well since joining Man United last summer, there’s every possibility that Vitek could develop into an even better goalkeeper while playing at the Riverside.

So, even though Man United have never made use of a buy-back clause, that could easily change with the 22-year-old.

Radek Vitek can help Middlesbrough gain promotion

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Sol Brynn has been a great servant for Middlesbrough as their first-choice between the sticks, and the club could have easily stuck with him for next season.

But bringing in Vitek will bolster their chances of gaining promotion from the Championship.

The goalkeeper made 3.27 saves per 90 for Bristol City last season, compared to Brynn’s 2.26 (all stats from Fotmob).

His save percentage was also higher at 71.3 per cent versus 68.9 per cent, while their goals prevented comparison highlights the real gain.

Vitek prevented 5.36 goals based on the expected goals (xG) faced versus the number of goals actually conceded.

Meanwhile, Brynn let in an additional 6.64 goals versus the xG of shots faced, which is a wild swing of 11 goals, which could make a huge difference in the fight for promotion next season if the Man United youngster can repeat those heroics again.

The concerns regarding the buy-back clause will linger over Vitek’s performances for Middlesbrough as long as it exists, but there is no doubt that the finances of the deal are otherwise great business for the club.

And if Vitek performs well enough to attract interest from Man United in the future, then it’s likely been due to a fantastic string of performances at the Riverside, so it may prove worthwhile in the long run.