It’s been extensively reported this week that Celtic have agreed a deal for AEK goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas and that he’s shortly going to sign a contract with the Scottish champions.
The Scottish Sun reports this evening that he’s even landed at Glasgow airport to undergo a medical tomorrow.
It appears to be a fantastic move on the club’s part and there’ll be excitement that he can be a true number one this season following the departure of Fraser Forster.
Barkas has international experience with Greece and has made over 100 appearances for AEK at the age of 26, also playing in the Champions League.
That’s the kind of profile we look for from a Celtic signing.
It seems there was big interest in him from elsewhere too.
Greek outlet Sportime reports today that English Premier League club Sheffield United had him on a list of targets this summer, alongside Real Betis and Leeds United.
It’s said that the Blades were keen on Barkas as a replacement for the impressive Dean Henderson but that uncertainty about the Manchester United loanee’s future prevented them from committing to a bid.
Celtic moved quickly and as a result, have their man.
Full credit must go to the recruitment team for identifying the shot-stopper and paying what AEK were looking for.
That’s the kind of thing we need ahead of this season with so much on the line emotionally for fans.
Fingers crossed that Barkas lives up to the hype.
In other news, Celtic fans have been loving the club’s announcement of record season ticket sales.
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