Celtic want £4.4 million transfer fee for Parkhead flop
By StevieMac
As we head towards another summer transfer window, Celtic are expected to be building their squad further for the Champions League games next season. The focus also has to be on possible departures though. And it looks like the club are looking for a significant figure to let one player leave.
It has seemed inevitable for some time now that Vasilis Barkas would depart Parkhead on a permanent basis sooner or later. A move makes sense for all parties, but has proven difficult to set up in previous transfer windows. The Greek goalkeeper made a loan move to FC Utrecht last summer and his form in the Dutch top flight could well make a huge difference.
Barkas looked like a huge signing for the Hoops when he joined back in the summer of 2020 for a transfer fee believed to be around €5 million from AEK Athens. The goalkeeper had shown good form for his club and the Greece national side.
But in a terrible season for both the club and the player, Barkas failed to prove himself between the posts. He was soon dropped from the starting line up. Next summer, Joe Hart arrived and established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Celtic want £4.4 million transfer fee for Parkhead flop
Barkas has had a good season at FC Utrecht, where he holds the number one spot. His form has been impressive. He is also back in the mix in the Greek national team picture.
There have been suggestions that FC Utrecht would like to keep him at the club. But that might prove difficult. As reported by Sportdog (via Glasgow Times), Barkas has been valued at £4.4 million, thanks to an impressive season in the Eredivisie.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Barkas. But despite his impressive season in the Netherlands, it is hard to see him make the first-team gloves his own at Celtic.