Utrecht won’t be converting their loan deal with Vasilis Barkas into a permanent move.
The Greek internationalist has had a successful time in Holland but even three years after his move from AEK Athens his Celtic wages can’t be matched by the Dutch club.
With a year left on his lucrative Celtic contract some bargaining will take place during the summer as Barkas, his agent and Celtic try to work out the most amicable solution.
Utrecht Technical Director Jordy Zuidam told The Sun:
We have to talk about realistic purchase options. A club like FC Utrecht, which cannot afford huge transfer amounts, has to be creative. By loaning players first, we buy time. Vasilis Barkas will return to Celtic and he is too expensive for FC Utrecht
Celtic paid around £4m for Barkas during the horrendous summer of 2020.
Fraser Forster reported for pre-season training despite his loan from Southampton being over but somehow Peter Lawwell failed to complete what appeared to be another straightforward loan.
It was made clear to Craig Gordon that his reduced terms were in line with his status as back-up goalkeeper while interest in Joe Hart came to a halt when the Barkas deal opened up.
Michael Nicholson faces similar issues with Albian Ajeti and Ismaila Soro with little prospect of any club matching the terms that they have with Celtic with the players able to negotiate their own deals in the 2024 close season.
CLICK HERE for Barkas Transfermarkt profile.