Celtic’s top transfer target is keen on coming to Parkhead for next season, but the two clubs seem to be far apart on the transfer fee.
Celtic have their top transfer target picked out for the summer and according to reports that target is incredibly keen on a move to the Scottish Champions ahead of the start of the season. However, both clubs are far apart in terms of compensation.
The player in question is AEK Athens goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas, who apparently impressed the Hoops during the Champions League qualification process. The 26-year old represents a player with enough youth to be able to make an impact on the first team for many seasons unlike Fraser Forster who is 32-years old.
The Scottish Sun reported that Celtic made a £4.1 million bid for the keeper and were apparently close to personal terms with Barkas himself. However, AEK Athens wants closer to £6 million and a 20% sell-on clause added on. Clearly, there is some distance in how the two clubs value the player.
However, one thing that is working in Celtic’s favour is that Barkas reportedly is ‘keen’ on a move to Parkhead. He and his agents can help apply pressure to see the move through to the Hoops from Athens. While it seems natural that Celtic will submit another bid, perhaps £5 million and smaller sell-on clause would be amenable for both sides.
The Hoops would have their long-term keeper in goal who also has European experience. Meanwhile, AEK Athens would have received a fair price for a player they value during tough financial times due to the global pandemic.
However this shakes out one thing is for certain, Celtic need to prioritize the keeper position and not mess around when it comes to this upcoming season. Barkas would be a good first step in solidifying the squad.