Report: Celtic seeking loan interest in Barkas, Ajeti and Bolingoli

By Euan Davidson

August 31, 2021

Celtic are gauging loan interest in Vasilis Barkas, Albian Ajeti and Boli Bolingoli, according to a report.

According to the Scottish Sun, the Greek goalkeeper and Swiss striker Barkas and Ajeti, signed only last summer, could be loaned out. Meanwhile, Boli Bolingoli, signed from Rapid Vienna in 2019, is also on Celtic’s exit list.

Combined, that’s £12m worth of talent. Barkas was brought in from AEK Athens for £4.5m [BBC]. Ajeti garnered around from West Ham United [Sky Sports], while Bolingoli was brought in for £3m [BBC].

The Scottish Sun state that late loan interest is set to emerge for all three players. Bolingoli spent last campaign out with Istanbul Başakşehir, while Barkas has been linked to a loan back to Greece.

Ajeti, however, hasn’t been the subject of any real speculation over the summer months. He has featured in match-day squads, most recently making it off the bench against St Mirren.

With Celtic set to lose Odsonne Edouard, and Griffiths likely to exit too, it seems as if much will be expected of new Bhoy Kyogo Furuhashi. The Bhoys also look ready to confirm Georgios Giakoumakis’ move from VVV-Venlo.

It hasn’t worked out for any of Celtic trio Barkas, Bolingoli or Ajeti; loan interest awaits

Despite all three having relatively promising starts to life at Celtic, the trio are unlikely to have many complaints if they leave the club.

Barkas, despite a decent run of clean sheets early on, hasn’t settled to life in Scotland. Seemingly bereft of confidence, the Greek stopper needs to rejuvenate his stuttering career.

Ajeti, like Barkas, started well. However, injury and fitness issues, combined with a lack of form, saw Ajeti all but forgotten towards the end of last season. A decent pre-season this time round seemed to buoy his chances, but Ange Postecoglou doesn’t seem overly keen.

As for Bolingoli. His well-documented Covid-breaking excursion last year to one side, it’s not worked out. He’s below Academy graduate Adam Montgomery in the order of left-backs. Thus far, he’s not so much as made the bench in the Scottish Premiership [Transfermarkt].

It’s worth remembering that, on paper, these all seemed like decent deals for the club. All three arrived with burgeoning reputations, albeit Ajeti had been somewhat forgotten at West Ham United.

It just goes to show; you can never judge a signing too early. For Celtic trio Ajeti, Barkas and Bolingoli, late loan interest could be a blessing.

Read more: Transfer fee for Celtic star seems incredibly low