Celtic flop Vasilis Barkas has reportedly been offered a two-year contract by FC Utrecht. The 29-year-old, who spent last season on loan in the Dutch league, will likely complete a move back to Utrecht. The player was released by Celtic with a year remaining on his deal but now looks to have found a new club.
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.
🚨 Utrecht are keen on re-signing Vasilis Barkas as talks seem to be at an advanced stage
The Dutch club officials were satisfied with his performances last season & want him back!
They have offered a 2 year deal to the goalkeeper
[Gazzetta] pic.twitter.com/zpK7mDRSIk
— Hellas Football (@HellasFooty) July 23, 2023
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.
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.
