Report: £19k-a-week man speaking with agent over quitting Celtic, exit route emerging

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Vasilis Barkas is speaking with his agent to discuss quitting Celtic during the summer transfer window amid emerging interest from Italy, according to Sportime.

The Greek goalkeeper endured a disappointing start to his second season in Glasgow and now finds Joe Hart ahead in the pecking order. Ange Postecoglou sought to sign the former England star from Tottenham after Barkas’ blunder in the Champions League qualifiers.

Hart has opened both available fixtures since completing his £1m move, and kept his first clean sheet on Sunday. Celtic beat Dundee 6-0 for their first win of the Premiership season, and beat Jablonec on his debut in the Europa League third-round first-leg qualifier.

Barkas now faces a bleak Celtic future, and the writing is starting to appear on the walls for his exit. Clubs in Italy are beginning to consider loan approaches, as well, but two problems could thwart a Serie A switch.

Celtic would demand a loan fee to send Barkas away from Parkhead temporarily, and his wage is also problematic. The Hoops awarded him a £19,000-per-week deal upon joining from AEK Athens in a £4.5m transfer last summer.

The 27-year-old still has another three years remaining on his terms, too, but is considering an early exit. Barkas is speaking with his agent to discuss all options, knowing they must present Celtic with an offer that suits the Premiership giants, not just his own ambitions.

Celtic and Barkas must find a suitable destination this summer

Barkas’ former AEK Athens coach Manolo Jimenez still backs the goalkeeper to come good for Celtic. But with Hart now ahead of him in the pecking order, following relentless criticism from pundits like Chris Sutton, now may be the time for Barkas to walk away.

The goalkeeper and Hoops must find a destination that suits both parties financially and competitively, then. Allowing Barkas to try and rediscover the form he displayed in Greece that enticed Neil Lennon to covet his capture.

Then, Barkas could return to Glasgow and offer Postecoglou an option next year. Or at least increase his stock for Celtic to recoup more of what they paid for the 13-cap international.