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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Ben Banks

Vasilis Barkas set for Celtic return as Utrecht coach admits transfer 'utopia' is too expensive

FC Utrecht goalkeeper coach Harald Wapenaar believes that a return to Celtic will be on the cards for Vasilis Barkas - as he's too expensive for their club.

The Dutch club signed the Greek international on a season-long loan deal in the summer transfer window and he has impressed at Eredivisie level. After joining the Hoops under Neil Lennon in 2020, Barkas found things difficult and a lack of Celtic form saw him play just two times last season in Ange Postecoglou's first season.

Wapenaar would love to see the Hoops loanee stick around beyond the end of the season but admits that it won't be possible due to his transfer fee, meaning the year-old could be heading back to Glasgow next summer. Barkas' deal in the east-end expires in 2024, and Wapenaar told RTV Utrecht: "That is a utopia. He has made a transfer for about eight million from AEK to Celtic.

READ MORE: Celtic lose out to Real Madrid in UEFA Youth League with Los Blancos scoring inside TEN seconds

"When I saw that he was available and saw his data on the internet, I advised Jordi Zuidam (Utrecht head of scouting) to take him.

"I think he's feeling great, and he's also performing very well. The first impression was that the Greek would be a line keeper. But we have seen that this guy also takes his balls outside the five meters.

"I think they (Utrecht goalkeepers) had to get used to me. I think I train differently than the average goalkeeper coaches they were used to. I like to train hard and surprise them every day."

READ MORE:

- Real Madrid 5 Celtic 1 as holders teach Hoops major lesson with VAR's help - 3 things we learned

- Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou never fears the worst as he's left 'really proud' of European efforts

- Celtic player ratings v Real Madrid as Jota nets goal to remember but hosts class blows Hoops away

- Celtic lose out to Real Madrid in UEFA Youth League with Los Blancos scoring inside TEN seconds

-Ange Postecoglou approaching Celtic legend status as 'essential' achievement for greatness stated

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