For many, there will have been real disappointment that the likes of Vasilis Barkas, Boli Bolingoli, and Albian Ajeti remained at Celtic after the UK transfer window closed last night.
It had been reported consistently over the course of January that Celtic were willing to listen to offers for the trio [Daily Record].
Speculation appeared to be growing on Vasilis Barkas in particular, who had been linked with a potential late move to IFK Goteborg in Sweden [Daily Record]. That wasn’t finalised last night however with the Greek stopper still at Celtic Park.
However, just because none of these players left last night, it doesn’t mean that they’re here until the summer. Far from it in fact.
Transfer windows all around Europe continue to rumble on. For example, the Swedish transfer window is open until March 31st at midnight [European Leagues]. That means Goteborg have plenty of time to get a deal done for Barkas. Celtic can still sell players to clubs who play in nations where their transfer window remains open.
Russia is another place in Europe where the window doesn’t shut for some time. They have a deadline of midnight on February 22nd. These would be the most likely destinations for any of Celtic’s struggling stars from the windows which are still open.
No need for Celtic to panic, still plenty of time on the clock
Yes, it certainly would’ve been ideal if Celtic could’ve gotten these players off the wage budget. Especially when you take into consideration that all 3 of the players mentioned have strong pedigree.
Much will likely depend on how much Celtic want for them of course. Clubs all across the continent may feel priced out if we’re looking to recoup what we spent on them. Or even a figure close to those numbers.
Of course, the truth is that the Hoops should prepare to take a hit on them. Considering their value and reputation has declined over the years, we need to accept that we can’t expect £4m or £5m for them individually. Their performances over the last year don’t merit that.
Granted, in European football’s top leagues, the deadlines have no passed. Moves to the likes of England, Italy, France, Spain, and Germany are no longer viable options for our fringe stars.
Countries such as Austria, the Czech Republic, and Finland, however, all have their windows rolling on for now. So there are potential late options there in the coming weeks should any clubs step up some interest in Ajeti, Barkas, or Boli respectively.
Hopefully, that’s exactly what happens as Celtic look to get them off the wage budget.
In other news, Rivals already dealt their first Aaron Ramsey blow ahead of Celtic fixture
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