According to a recent update from transfer expert Pete O’Rourke, Celtic have identified Radek Vitek as a summer transfer target. The club faces competition for the Manchester United goalkeeper, as Premier League newcomers Hull City and Glasgow rivals Rangers are also keen on signing the player.

The 22-year-old former Czechia youth international developed through the Sigma Olomouc academy in his home country before Manchester United signed him in the summer of 2020. Following a period with the reserve team, he moved on loan to Accrington Stanley to gain senior experience in the fourth tier of English football.

Vitek’s performance in goal earned him a season-long loan to the Austrian top-tier club Blau-Weiß Linz for the 2024-25 campaign. He helped the team achieve a top-half finish with six clean sheets in 26 league appearances. He later moved to Bristol City in the Championship for another temporary spell. During that time, he played 41 matches as the side secured a mid-table finish. He is now expected to seek another move to ensure regular playing time, rather than remaining as a third-choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford.

Why Celtic Should Bring Him To Parkhead

Celtic are evaluating several candidates following the retirement of Kasper Schmeichel. The club has shifted its transfer strategy, focusing on younger prospects instead of experienced veterans. Dinko Horkas, Nikolas Polster, Aleksander Bobek, and Tjark Ernst are among the other players recently linked to a move to Parkhead, a departure from the club’s recent decision to sign the veteran Dane as a short-term successor to Joe Hart.

The Hoops currently list Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan as their goalkeeping options. Schmeichel’s injury provided an opportunity for Sinisalo, who stepped in and performed well during the club’s ‘domestic double’ winning season. However, Doohan has not featured since returning to the club, creating a need for a new keeper to compete with and provide cover for Sinisalo.

Observers praise Vitek for his shot-stopping ability, his 6’6″ frame, and his command of the penalty area. He demonstrates dominance when claiming crosses and has earned recognition for his acrobatic reaction saves. While the youngster occasionally makes developmental errors when rushing off his line, he would likely improve with more match time under Martin O’Neill if Celtic complete the deal.