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Man United sells Radek Vitek to Middlesbrough for £14 m

8/9/2026

48 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Radek Vitek, 22, has moved from Manchester United to Championship club Middlesbrough in a deal that could total £14 million.
The transfer includes an initial £7 million payment, a 35 percent sell-on clause, matching rights and a buy-back option for United.
After 41 league games, 12 clean sheets and three awards on loan at Bristol City in 2025/26, Vitek signed as Middlesbrough’s No. 1 goalkeeper aiming to aid promotion to the Premier League.

History

Historical Context

Jean-Marc Bosman's challenge to RFC Liège culminated in the European Court of Justice ruling on 15 December 1995, granting EU footballers free agency and ending quota limits. The decision spurred high-profile moves such as Edgar Davids in 1996 and prompted UEFA to seek reforms by 2005 as transfer fees rose, shaping today’s multi-million contracts.

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Story summary

Radek Vitek, 22, has moved from Manchester United to Championship club Middlesbrough in a deal that could total £14 million.
The transfer includes an initial £7 million payment, a 35 percent sell-on clause, matching rights and a buy-back option for United.
After 41 league games, 12 clean sheets and three awards on loan at Bristol City in 2025/26, Vitek signed as Middlesbrough’s No. 1 goalkeeper aiming to aid promotion to the Premier League.

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