We are pleased to announce the signing of Czech goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros on a season-long loan from Liverpool.
The highly-rated shot-stopper arrived at Anfield as a 16-year-old in 2017, joining from Czech side Slavia Prague. He began his time in the Academy at Liverpool under the tutelage of Steven Gerrard, helping the Club win the FA Youth Cup in 2019. He then went on to make his first appearance for the Liverpool first-team in a pre-season friendly at Tranmere later that same year, before representing the Club’s U23s side in the Papa John’s Trophy.
Shortly after signing a new long-term contact with the Club, Vit then enjoyed a highly successful spell out on loan at Irish top-flight side St Pat’s Athletic, keeping 11 clean sheets in 38 appearances and winning both the club’s Player of the Season and the League of Ireland’s Goalkeeper of the Year awards.
His time at the Irish Club came to a successful conclusion, as his final appearance saw him win the FAi Cup final against Bohemians, in front of 37,000 fans at the Aviva Stadium.
The 20-year-old then spent the second half of last season on loan at National League side Notts County, enjoying the perfect audition for his move here with an inspired display at Edgeley Park back in March, despite losing the game 3-0.
The 20-year-old’s performances have also seen him recognised at international level, earning two caps for Czech Republic U21s, most recently keeping a clean sheet in a 7-0 win over Andorra in a Euros qualifier a month ago.
His addition adds further competition between the sticks alongside Ben Hinchliffe going into the new season, following Ethan Ross’ departure on loan to York City last week.
Director of Football Simon Wilson said:
“Vit is an exceptionally talented young goalkeeper who has gone out and had some excellent experience in men’s football for his young age. We are delighted that both he and Liverpool trust us for the next stage of his development, and believe he can help our team in its next phase of our evolution.”
Manager Dave Challinor said:
“I’m delighted that Vit has agreed to join us. We were one of several options that he had, so to have him choose us is a big positive. He’s a goalkeeper with a big future ahead of him and is very highly regarded at Liverpool and comes with real positive references.
“The big thing for us that differentiates him from Luca, who we had on loan last season and who I believe has a similarly bright future, is that Vit has played games over the past 18 months. His previous loans have been positive ones and have allowed us to see him develop.
“This season will be another year for him to develop and compete with Ben for that starting place on a regular basis. He obviously witnessed Edgeley Park first-hand last season with Notts County and the atmosphere within the ground. He’s had a bit of a break, having spent the last two years without a rest playing right through hence the time to get him with us, but I know how much we are all looking forward to him being him and likewise him getting integrated in the group.”
Goalkeeping Coach Shwan Jalal said:
“I’m delighted to be able to welcome Vit to the club and I’m really looking forward to working with him. We became aware of Vit during his hugely successful loan spell in Ireland with St Patrick’s, where he was a vital part of their Irish FA Cup winning team.
“He then took this great form into his loan at Notts County in the second half of last season. He is an excellent distributor of the ball and defends the goal superbly. His ability was there for all to see at Edgeley Park that night in March, making some outstanding saves, and we’re confident he will continue to develop during his time with us.”
