Vasilis Barkas says he’s thrilled to be returning home after sealing a deal with FC Utrecht.
The 28-year-old has escaped the Parkhead fringes to join the Dutch outfit on a season-long loan agreement.
Barkas is delighted at the opportunity to kickstart his career after his big-money £4.5 million switch from AEK Athens to Glasgow turned sour.
However, the keeper has an additional reason to be excited about the transfer as it takes him back to his roots.
Barkas was born in the Dutch town of Zetten and said: “My mother is from here so I’m really happy that I came back.
“The last time I was here to visit Holland was 18 years ago, so it’s been a long time. So I can’t wait to meet some people here, and to see the Dutch philosophy, the food. I’m really excited.”
Initial negotiations between the clubs has seen Barkas’ move put in place for one year.
Reports in Greece have stated that Utrecht agreed to pay around two-thirds of the player’s wages to make the move happen and get him out of Parkhead.
It is also suggested that, although there is no loan-to-buy option in the current deal, talks could resume again at the end of this agreement to make the move permanent.
When next season is over, Barkas will be moving into the final year of his contract at Celtic after signing for four years in 2020.
In the meantime, the keeper is interested only in getting back onto the pitch and helping Utrecht to hit their targets in 2022/23.
Barkas said: “It’s really amazing. It’s a great honour for me to be at a great club with nice, crazy fans that I know and in a really good league.
“So I feel excited and I can’t wait to start training with my new team.
"I want to get myself to work and help the team try to go as far as we can, to get European football again, back where we have to be. And, of course, to play nice football.”
Barkas had little chance of featuring in the future at Parkhead with Scott Bain signing a new contract as back-up to No.1 Joe Hart.
The Greek international failed to shine in his first season under Neil Lennon as the team struggled and he lost his place after a string of tentative performances.
Ange Postecoglou’s arrival after the departure of Lennon provided a second Celtic opportunity, but, after starting the Aussie’s first match in charge against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League qualifiers, he was dropped again for Bain before the signing of Hart.
Barkas made one further appearance for Postecoglou against St Johnstone last Boxing Day, but now has a crack at reviving his stalled career in the Eredivisie.
Despite looking nervous and uncommanding during his outings for Celtic, Barkas had built a strong reputation prior to arrival during his time in Athens.
And, although he struggled for form at Parkhead, the stopper is adamant he can take his A game to Holland.
Utrecht Technical Director Jordy Zuidam spoke warmly about the experience, athleticism and reflexes of his club’s capture as well as his ability to deny strikers in one-on-one situations as he welcomed the signing into the Stadion Galgenwaard.
Barkas also told Utrecht’s TV channel: “I like to play football, I like to play outside. I’m not the type of goalkeeper who will stay on my line. So yes I would like to play outside.”
