Manchester United have a goalkeeper conundrum going forward. Two seasons ago, Andre Onana was signed in a £34 million deal with Inter Milan, and was welcomed as David De Gea's long-term successor. Jump to the present, and Onana's consistent and high-profile errors have resulted in his exile to Turkish club Trabzonspor.
The Andre Onana experiment failed. His performances in goal are partly responsible for some of the worst performances in Man United's recent history. Loaning him away was the correct call.
With United deputy Altay Bayindir also proving to be a liability in goal, United turned to the transfer market, and signed Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens for £18.1 million. That investment has proven to be shrewd, as Lammens has lended a stability to the team with his reliable performances that United have lacked for so long.
But Lammens has a ceiling. The Belgian goalkeeper is trustworthy, but will never be ranked among the best goalkeepers in the league. United will need to start exploring options for an improved goalkeeper if they are as ambitious as their fanbase.
United could go out and splash big money on a well-renowned and already experienced goalkeeper. It worked for Liverpool and Alisson, and so far it's worked for Man City and Donnarumma. But that is not always United's way.
United's last great goalkeeper was David De Gea. One of Fergie's final great signings, he was brought at just 20 years of age, immediately replacing the 40-year-old veteran Edwin Van Der Sar as United's number one. De Gea's first season was a little rough in places, but he eventually flourished, and was, for a period in the 2010s, the best goalkeeper in the world.
This is where Radek Vitek comes in. The Czech goalkeeper has been on the loan carousel at United for some team, spending time at Accrington Stanley, FC Blau-Weiss Linz, and now at Bristol City in the Championship.
His performances at Bristol City this season have finally started to make a mark on his reputation. The goalkeeper has been a reliable addition to their team, including 8 clean sheets.
Vitek produced an outstanding viral moment in last week's game against Ipswich, where Vitek pulled off one of the saves of the season. Most importantly, Vitek has consistently performed for Bristol City, and has shown clear progress from his time at other clubs.
If Vitek continues to perform, he may just earn his way into the United first team squad. With the likely exit of Andre Onana, and the continued underperformance of Altay Bayindir, a slot as United's second goalkeeper might just open up next season.
Radek Vitek would be a prime candidate for the role. If he continues to perform well, and then thrives with the opportunities he is given after he returns to United, then we may well be a future Man United number 1.
A young and inexperienced goalkeeper is always a risk. It's why Vitek has been sent on so many loans: there is always a burden on goalkeepers, a stress and pressure unlike any other position. Letting goalkeepers gain experience in lower leagues is the best way to acclimatise a goalkeeper into being ready for the Premier League.
Radek Vitek might be worth that risk. Goalkeepers are all about consistency, and he'll need to keep up his good work if he wants a look in with the United squad next season. But if he continues as he is, don't count him out.