Report: Celtic will try to sell £3m in January, want him gone for good

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Celtic will shop Vasilis Barkas around to potential buyers in the upcoming January transfer window as they look to sell the out-of-favour goalkeeper, according to The Athletic.

Barkas has not featured for the Bhoys in any competition since the first-leg of the Glasgow outfit’s Champions League second-round qualifier at home to FC Midtjylland on July 20.

The tie marked the Hoops’ first fixture under Ange Postecoglou, who quickly wrote the 27-year-old off. Instead, targeting a late transfer for Joe Hart after backing Scott Bain briefly.

Hart has been a huge hit, with the often-praised shot-stopper keeping 10 clean sheets in 22 games. He is yet to sit out a match since finalising a £1m move from Tottenham Hotspur.

Celtic will now attempt to sell Barkas in the January transfer window to recoup some of the £3m paid to AEK Athens only last year. The deal can reach £4.5m with appearance-related add-ons, with the Greek international featuring 22 times during his debut Hoops campaign.

The Bhoys hope to sell Barkas in the mid-season sales, but will accept loan bids if no buyer comes forward. He still has two-and-a-half years to run on his £9k-a-week contract.

Will Celtic sell Barkas during January transfer window?

Celtic may struggle to sell Barkas in the January transfer window, unless they take a heavy financial hit. The Greek endured a woeful debut term, and his situation has only got worse.

Barkas suffered an error-strewn first year in Glasgow and showed no signs of improvement when he faced Midtjylland. Flagging at Evander’s free-kick and giving up a vital away goal.

He has not featured since, and has also not featured in a Premiership squad since the end of July, either. Making his only outing so far on the bench at Hearts on the opening day.

Celtic outcast Barkas did attract transfer interest from clubs in Italy and former side Athens during the summer window. The Daily Record noted Enosis – currently second in the Greek Super League – explored his return. And they may be the Hoops’ best bet come January.