Celtic have been very good with their signings in recent times. That was not always the case though. In fact, one of the biggest reasons behind their struggles in the 2020/21 campaign was the terrible summer transfer window that they had that time around. Not one player that was brought in during those few months is a starter for the Hoops today.
One of the high-profile signings of Celtic’s 2020 summer transfer window was Vasilis Barkas. He was signed for a transfer fee believed to be around €5 million.
The Greek goalkeeper was very highly rated and the expectation was that he would be the long-term solution between the posts for Celtic. But unfortunately, that is not how things worked out.
Barkas struggled to make the first-team gloves his own at Celtic, which led to Scott Bain and Conor Hazard getting chances as well. After an inconsistent debut campaign for the Hoops, he found himself behind Joe Hart in the pecking order in the next one. He spent last season out on loan at FC Utrecht and was released from his contract by the Hoops this summer.
€5 million Celtic flop closes in on move to Swansea City
As reported by Sport Time (via The Scottish Sun), English Championship club Swansea City have held talks with Barkas over a free transfer.
Barkas spent the previous campaign on loan at FC Utrecht and impressed immensely with his performances. A return to the club on a permanent basis did not transpire though. Now, it remains to be seen if he will join Swansea City this summer.
On the other hand, Celtic could still do with another goalkeeper and there have been rumours that they are looking for one to challenge Hart for the starting spot next season. Let’s see how things play out in that regard.