Manchester United set to sell Vitek as Onana loan and Bayindir exit reshape goalkeeper department

Manchester United are preparing for a wholesale restructure of their goalkeeper department this summer, with Andre Onana closing in on a second loan spell at Trabzonspor, Altay Bayindir expected to depart in search of regular first-team football, and Czech prospect Radek Vitek available for a permanent sale.

United had preferred to sell Onana outright but will settle for a loan arrangement that sees Trabzonspor cover the Cameroonian’s wages for a second consecutive season, with the club also set to collect a loan fee in the deal.

Bayindir, who has served as second-choice behind Onana, is anticipated to move on once the summer transfer window is fully under way, with his future expected to be resolved after the Club World Cup. His likely departure means United must recruit a new backup goalkeeper, with Karl Darlow and Sam Johnstone among the names on their shortlist. Both players carry the added appeal of qualifying as homegrown under Premier League squad rules, which require at least eight homegrown players in a 25-man registration. Johnstone, 33, is a former United academy graduate with more than 400 senior appearances to his name and has been on the club’s radar for several years.

Vitek, meanwhile, impressed on loan in the Championship last season and is considered a capable deputy to Senne Lammens within the club’s structure. However, the Czech Republic youth international wants regular starts at this stage of his development, and with two years left on his contract, United are open to a permanent exit if the valuation is met. The club would look to insert sell-on or performance-related clauses into any agreement.

United have a strong recent track record of generating revenue from academy-produced goalkeepers. Dean Henderson was sold to Crystal Palace for £15 million plus £5 million in add-ons in 2023, while Matej Kovar joined Bayer Leverkusen for €9 million in the same window. A similar fee for Vitek would represent a useful contribution to the club’s summer transfer budget as they continue to reshape the squad.