Celtic aren’t considering loaning out goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas this summer, according to Greek journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos.
The Lowdown: Chorianopoulos’s February claim
Barkas made the move to Parkhead last summer in a deal worth £4.5m from AEK Athens.
He went on to make 22 appearances for the Hoops in his first season under both Neil Lennon and John Kennedy, ending the season as first choice by keeping two clean sheets against St Johnstone and Hibernian.
Chorianopoulos had suggested back in February that Barkas, on £9,000-a-week, seemed to be running out of time in Glasgow and a temporary summer move away was possible.
[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-9/" title="Celtic updates!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]
The Latest: Loan move ruled out
Reports following Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic arrival suggested the club would assess their goalkeeping options, with a move for Mat Ryan linked.
However, the Aussie has now joined Real Sociedad, and it seems as if Barkas will remain in Scotland beyond the current window.
The Greek reporter took to Twitter on Monday afternoon, posting this on the 27-year-old.
“Barkas appears to be settled in Celtic. No1 with Postecoglou in friendly matches v Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton. Thoughts for a loan are now gone”
The Verdict: Ange has helped
Postecoglou’s backing of Barkas by starting him against Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic in pre-season seems to have helped the situation.
The Hoops boss promised a fresh start for Barkas this season, and being decisive on making him first choice in his first two games in charge should help the ‘keeper’s confidence going into the new campaign.
Barkas, Scott Bain and Conor Hazard were all given a go last season with the number one shirt regularly chopped and changed.
That could have impacted the club’s poor form during the 2020/21 campaign, but it seems as if Barkas will be Postecoglou’s first choice going into the 2021/22 season, with a move away seemingly off the cards.
In other news: Fabrizio Romano claims Celtic are keen on £2.5k-p/w French ace, find out more here.