Celtic flop Vasilis Barkas has signed a one-year contract with FC Twente. The 29-year-old was released by Celtic earlier this summer and has made his return to the Dutch club, where the player spent last season.

As confirmed by Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports, Barkas has joined on a deal for one year, likely because his wage demands were believed to be quite hefty.

FC Utrecht have signed former Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas on a one-year contract.

The 29-year-old spent last season on loan at the Eredivisie club.

His Celtic contract was terminated at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/VsUSwlSL8F

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) July 28, 2023

Celtic had tried to sell Barkas in two summer windows but have struggled to find any suitable clubs willing to pay a fee for the Greek Internationalist. It resulted in the loan deal to the Netherlands, where the player impressed but his salary and the buy-out fee were too great for the Dutch club.

Michael Nicholson and Celtic decided to cut ties with the player earlier this summer as they opted against exercising the option for a fourth year on his deal. The decision meant that Utrecht were able to sign the player, who would probably have struggled to get a move owing to his high wages.

Barkas has just two appearances in the 2021/22 season and found himself down the pecking order at Celtic. The arrival of Hart as well as Scott Bain being given a new deal suggests that the prospect of ever breaking back into the first team was slim.

Speaking to the official Utrecht website, technical director Jordy Zuidam said: “We are extremely happy with the fact that we have connected Vasilis to us.

Utrecht goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas during the Dutch Eredivisie match between FC Utrecht and Vitesse at Stadion Galgenwaard on September 11, 2022 in Utrecht, Netherlands. ANP JEROEN PUTMANS

“During the past season, Vasilis has proven to add value to the team and he has proven to be one of the better goalkeepers in the Eredivisie over the past season.

“It seemed impossible to keep Vasilis, but the fact that we still succeeded makes us proud and indicates that Vasilis really wants to continue playing for our club and supporters.”

Albian Ajeti could certainly take notice of Barkas’ fortunes as he faces a crossroads with regards to his Celtic future. Celtic have reportedly offered the player the opportunity to pay-up his contract, which would allow him to depart the club for free this year.