Middlesbrough are in advanced talks with Everton over a loan deal for goalkeeper Mark Travers, a move that could affect their pursuit of Manchester United's Radek Vitek. The Championship club, who finished 5th last season with 80 points, are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping options after their play-off final defeat to Hull City in May.
Why Middlesbrough need a new goalkeeper
Despite having the second-best defensive record in the Championship last season, Middlesbrough's current number one, Sol Brynn, struggled with consistency. The 25-year-old conceded 6.6 more goals than his expected goals against tally, the fourth-worst record in the division. His error in the play-off final, palming a cross into Oli McBurnie's path, cost Boro a place in the Premier League.
Travers vs Vitek: Who should Middlesbrough sign?
Mark Travers, 27, spent the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Middlesbrough while he was a Bournemouth player. He kept four clean sheets in 17 Championship outings and made close to four saves per game, ranking him in the top 10% of Championship keepers. However, his move to Everton has seen him make just two appearances, both in the EFL Cup.
Radek Vitek, 22, had a brilliant season on loan at Bristol City last year and is eager to be a number one option in 2026/27. Middlesbrough held initial conversations over a move for the Czech shot-stopper, but talks with Travers could indicate that negotiations with Vitek aren't progressing as quickly as Kim Hellberg would like.
Fan reaction to Travers transfer news
Middlesbrough fans are divided over the potential return of Travers. Some believe he is a clear upgrade to Brynn and was well-liked during his short-term spell at the Riverside a couple of seasons ago. Others, however, feel that Vitek is a better option this season. "Hope this doesn't mean Vitek is off now," one Boro fan said on X. "Best keeper we’ve had in many years, I’m on my knees #Boro please make this happen," another commented.
