Celtic’s transfer record since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou as manager has been superb to say the least. The former Australian national team boss seems to have an exceptional eye for talent which has led to him discovering the likes of Jota, Kyogo, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate, and several others within the space of just two transfer windows. Sead Haksabanovic, who arrived this summer, is also looking like a major coup.
But Celtic’s transfer business was pretty shaky not too long ago. That was one of the biggest reasons behind their collapse in the 2020/21 campaign.
One of the moves that did not work out at all was the one for Vasilis Barkas, who was brought in from AEK Athens in hopes of him being the long-term solution between the posts for the Hoops. It is safe to say that it did not work out and after a couple of poor seasons in Glasgow, he left on loan to join FC Utrecht this summer.
There he has looked like a player transformed though, been one of the best goalkeepers in the Eredivisie, if not the very best, and raised hopes that he could potentially still be the future number one for Celtic.
€8 million transfer claim made about brilliant Celtic loanee
As reported by The Scottish Sun, FC Utrecht goalkeeping coach, Harald Wapenaar, said about Barkas:
"“Vasilis Barkas is too expensive for us. That is clear to everyone.“He cost Celtic around 8 million Euros with add-ons. When I saw he was available in the summer and looked at his data, I couldn’t believe we would have a chance of signing him.“I strongly advised the club to sign him and I am glad we did.“At the moment, he is doing great for us and he is in a good place. He is performing exceptionally well. He has been a great addition to the team.”"
It is safe to say that Barkas has proven during his loan spell at FC Utrecht that he is still a good goalkeeper and left the fans scratching their heads about why it did not work out at Celtic over the past two seasons.
Celtic are still in need of a long-term goalkeeper, with Joe Hart 35 years of age and question marks over him in recent times as well. Could Barkas complete an incredible turnaround, and prove to be that man?