Celtic have brought five players in during this transfer window and are now looking to offload fringe players from the squad. However, hopes of Vasilis Barkas being off the wage bill this month have reportedly been dashed after Sheffield United pulled out of a deal.
The Greek goalkeeper has made just two appearances under Ange Postecoglou with Joe Hart and Scott Bain both preferred to the £5m signing. That follows from Barkas’ abysmal season under Neil Lennon last term.
Despite failing to register a save of note in Scotland, the player has continuously been linked with moves to Turkey, Greece and Sweden. When asked about this, and other possible departures (such as Bolingoli), Postecoglou said he is in no rush to move players on, but it’d be positive for player development.
The Daily Mail recently reported that Sheffield United were in talks over a deal to take Barkas to South Yorkshire, but the Blades withdrew after Celtic demanded a loan fee and wanted the English side to pick up the bulk of his £20,000 weekly wage. Additionally, it is reported that the Hoops wanted to include a £2.5m option to buy while United hoped to broker a cheaper fee.
Liam Kelly
Sheffield must have seen him ‘play’.A loan fee,nearly £20k a week and a £2.5m buy clause.Who brokered this deal? Dave(Glib and Shameless)King?