Celtic fans ‘more than happy’ to see £4.5m flop leave in summer | OneFootball

Celtic supporters ‘will be more than happy’ to see wantaway goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas depart the club in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 27-year-old has struggled to settle at Celtic Park since arriving from AEK Athens for a reported £4.5 million fee in July 2020 and has fallen down the pecking order under Ange Postecoglou.

Barkas became Celtic’s most expensive ever shot-stopper after completing his transfer almost two years ago, but things have not gone to plan since then.

He started just 13 Scottish Premiership fixtures during his maiden campaign, leaking 10 goals in the process, and the change of manager in the summer failed to reignite his stuttering career.

In Postecoglou’s home debut, Barkas let a free-kick slip through his fingers in a crucial Champions League qualification tie against FC Midtjylland.

Since then, the 13-cap Greece international has made just one appearance for Celtic in their 3-1 Boxing Day victory over St. Johnstone, making the matchday squad on just five occasions in all competitions.

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The arrival of former Manchester City and Tottenham keeper Joe Hart has seen Barkas fall to third choice behind Scott Bain, and it seems as though his Glasgow nightmare is drawing to a conclusion.

According to Greek outlet Fos Online, Barkas has now asked to leave Celtic when the market reopens after failing to win the trust of the club’s hierarchy.

What has O’Rourke said about Barkas?

It was hoped that Barkas could help guide Celtic to their 10th league title in a row last term, yet 6 foot 5 flop fell well below expectations.

And O’Rourke believes the club’s fan base would welcome his departure if he manages to secure a move away ahead of next season.

He told GiveMeSport: “I think that the fans will be more than happy to see him go. He’s been a real big disappointment since his big-money arrival from Greece.”

Can Celtic reclaim the league title?

The Hoops finished 25 points behind Rangers last season as they relinquished their title without a fight, but the appointment of Postecoglou has proved to be an inspired decision.

Celtic currently sit three points clear of the Gers at the top of the table with only seven games remaining.

With two Old Firm derbies left to play, though, the destination of the SPFL crown is still very much up in the air, and Celtic will be hoping they can maintain their current winning streak until the end of May.