Celtic have the deepest squad right now that they have had in a long time. Not only do the Hoops have multiple options in the same position but they have different kind of players as well, so that Ange Postecoglou can change things up according to the game situation. The club have also sent out several players on loan, who did not have a clear role in the team and whose chances of first-team football were slim.
One such player is Vasilis Barkas. The Greek goalkeeper had been signed from AEK Athens in the summer of 2020 for a transfer fee believed to be around £4.5 million but failed badly to nail down his spot in the team.
In his first season with the club, Barkas had to compete with Scott Bain and Conor Hazard for the first-team gloves, with all getting time between the posts as nobody managed to establish themselves as the clear first choice. In his second season, the Greek goalkeeper barely featured following the arrival of Joe Hart.
As a result, it made sense for him to head out on loan this summer as he joined FC Utrecht. And there, he seems to be doing a wonderful job.
Celtic loanee is having a remarkable season in the Netherlands after struggles at Parkhead
As reported by De Telegraaf, FC Utrecht had Barkas to thank for holding NEC to a 0-0 draw. The Greek goalie made two clever saves in one-on-one situations and was named Man of the Match.
This is not just one good display in isolation either. Barkas’ performances in the Netherlands have been earning him recognition back home in Greece as well, as he was called back up to their national team squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games.
Thus, it will be very interesting to see if Barkas ends up having a long-term future at Parkhead after this loan campaign. One has to remember that Hart is 35 years of age.