On-loan Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas has continued his post-Celtic rejuvenation, being named in the Dutch team of the week for his performance in Utrecht’s win on Saturday.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper had a disappointing few seasons at Parkhead after arriving at the club for a hefty fee in the summer of 2020.
The arrival of Ben Siegrist during the last window all but suggested that the shot-stopper had no future in Glasgow, and he was subsequently sent out on loan to FC Utrecht.
Straight away, the on-loan Celtic man took his place as number one at his new side to begin the season as he looked to get his career back on track.
Despite a slightly disappointing start to the campaign for Utrecht, from a personal point of view, Barkas was able to make a positive early impression and nail down his spot between the sticks.
In just his second game for Utrecht, Barkas was named man of the match in their early season 0-0 draw with Cambuur. A few games later, he was handed that same reward in another 0-0 draw against Nijmegen.
As the season has grown on, the former AEK man has kept his place as number one and has helped his team climb to 7th place in the Eredivisie.
On Saturday evening, they were able to jump into the European spots in the league, and more praise was headed the way of Barkas following his display in their 2-1 win over Heerenveen.
The Greek international was voted man of the match for a third time this season and was also named in two separate Dutch teams of the week for his display.
Vasilis Barkas’ career kick-starting once again is positive news for Celtic ahead of return next summer.
As mentioned, following on from such a disappointing start to his career at Parkhead, it seems unfathomable that Barkas will have a future at the club.
Although his performances are improving over the Holland, that is probably a stance that will only be changed if there is an incredibly drastic change over the next seven months.
The positive news for Celtic is, though, clubs will be watching the goalkeeper curiously if he continues to pick up man of the match/team of the week awards.
Of course, should he continue his form, Utrecht are likely to be interested in purchasing him on a permanent basis. And with no opinion to buy believed to have been included in the deal, Celtic are in a good position to negotiate.
Ultimately, it was a very frustrating last two years for Barkas at Celtic, and the move worked out for none of the parties involved.
So, hopefully, the goalkeeper can continue his rejuvenation so far over in Holland and attract the interest of Utrecht and other clubs in signing him permanently next summer.
In other news, “The team is tired”; Real Madrid boss hints at squad issues ahead of Celtic clash.
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