It’s never a great look for any club if they immediately write-off a big money signing for a loss, but the circumstances probably mean that Celtic can do that with Vasilas Barkas.
The incoming manager and Director of Football can simply point to it being a horrible decision from the previous regime and the blame can’t be assigned to them, while they’ll look even better if a top-class replacement can be found.
The situation with Barkas is especially frustrating because some of the highlights from his time in Greece make him look like an exceptional keeper, but he just seems so timid in a Celtic shirt and there’s no time to let him make mistakes and slowly gain confidence.
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A report from The Daily Record has indicated that the £4.5m signing will be sold this summer, and a return to Greece looks like his best option as PAOK have enquired about taking him on loan.
That could also be a smart move if there’s no option to buy included as his value will rise again if he has an impressive season, so Celtic may manage to recoup most of the fee.
PAOK aren’t his only option as there’s said to be interest from Holland and Belgium as well, but there’s no sign of him winning his place back in the side this season so it’s hard to see any way that he sticks around.
It’s a shame that things haven’t worked out but Celtic really do need to find a top-class keeper, and this is probably the correct decision.
