Ange Postecoglou’s double update on struggling Celtic duo

There will inevitably be some players leaving Celtic either in this January transfer window or in the summer. Liam Shaw has already departed on loan to Motherwell while Osaze Urhoghide has been linked with a loan exit as well. On the other hand, Ewan Henderson has left on loan to Hibernian till the end of the season although that move will be made permanent in the summer.

There has been plenty of discussion about Celtic’s Greek goalkeeper, Vasilis Barkas, who arrived at the club in the summer of 2020 in what was a big move for the Hoops. He has not lived up to the expectations though and seems completely out of the first-team picture right now.

Joe Hart arrived in the summer and has since cemented his place as the number 1 between the posts. On the other hand, Barkas has appeared only once since the Englishman’s arrival. Scott Bain appears to be ahead of him in terms of the back up spot as well.

Another Greek international who arrived at Celtic is Giorgos Giakoumakis, who has struggled as well. But he does appear to have a place in Ange Postecoglou’s plans for the future. As reported by Football Scotland, the manager told Novasports:

"“I believe in Giorgos. He had a great season with Venlo last year.“He came after pre-season and he was a bit unlucky.“Celtic is a great opportunity for his career. You saw what happened with Georgios Samaras.”"

And while Postecoglou seems sympathetic to Barkas’ situation, he also appears to be open to the prospect of him moving out:

"“Vasilis is a hard worker.“He tried to settle in, but it was difficult with Covid situation.“But he is a hard worker. We will see what will happens at Celtic or elsewhere.”"

Postecoglou appears to have different plans for Celtic’s Greek duo

It would not be a surprise to Celtic fans if Barkas got a transfer exit in the near future. The club are not expected to get a transfer fee similar to the £4.5 million or so that they shelled out for the Greek goalkeeper though. Can a deal be struck for a permanent exit or a loan this month? It will be interesting to see.

There does not seem to be an important role left for Barkas at Celtic now and it might be the best step for him to move out and look to rejuvenate his career somewhere else. If he does leave, signing Benjamin Siegrist, who is nearing the end of his current Dundee United contract could be a good move on the part of the Hoops.

On the other hand, it looks like Postecoglou still has plans for Giakoumakis, who has not got it going at Parkhead yet, although he did top the Eredivisie scoring charts last season.