Leeds United were linked with a number of goalkeepers last summer, but chose not to sign any, instead going with Illan Meslier as their first-choice stopper.
The Whites had seen Meslier emerge over Kiko Casilla towards the end of last season, and Victor Orta chose not to dip into the market for another goalkeeper.
Meslier has impressed this season, justifying Leeds’ decision to stick with him as he continues to develop at a rapid rate – and they had one lucky escape in the transfer market last summer.
According to the Daily Record, Leeds held an interest in signing Vasilis Barkas from AEK Athens, but he instead joined Celtic in a deal worth around £5million.
As a giant stopper with international experience for Greece, Barkas looked like being a sensible investment for the Bhoys, and looked the kind of keep that could really compete with Meslier for years to come.
The 26-year-old has endured a dismal season in Scotland though, playing just 13 league games whilst being dropped for both Scott Bain and Conor Hazard at times this season.
Barkas could now end up leaving Celtic this summer, as Sportime report that AEK Athens are already looking to re-sign Barkas on loan this summer as they look to end his Bhoys hell.
Barkas isn’t all that keen just yet; he wants to stay at Celtic or head elsewhere in Europe, with a return to Greece seemingly not in his plans right now.
Leeds may now be glad that they didn’t sink millions into Barkas, as Celtic are already likely looking at a loss if they were to sell the Dutch-born stopper this summer.
Instead, they put their faith in Meslier as a Premier League goalkeeper; a decision that has paid dividends for the Whites whilst Celtic struggle over Barkas.
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