Celtic have signed Vasilis Barkas from AEK Athens, replacing the departed Fraser Forster, days before the Scottish Premiership resumes.
Barkas, a goalkeeper, who has been capped 10 times by Greece, joins the club for a fee believed to be in the region of £4.5 million, and will likely be fast-tracked into the Celtic side to face Hamilton at the weekend.
The Hoops open their league campaign at Celtic Park on Sunday, and they will be looking to start in the same form they left off at the end of last season.
"CELTIC Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Greek international goalkeeper, Vasilis Barkas, who has joined the club on a four-year deal from AEK Athens," a statement from the club announcing the signing read.
🇬🇷🍀 Introducing our new number 1️⃣...#WelcomeBarkas 💪
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 30, 2020
“I’m very happy to be here, it’s a dream to come to one of the biggest teams in Europe, and I can’t wait to play for Celtic,” Barkas said, upon completion of his move to Paradise.
“Winning medals and trophies is why I came here. I want to win 10 in-a-row, and I want to help us get into the Champions League. That’s what I want."
Forster, who returned to the club at the beginning of last season on loan, had decided to return to Southampton this term.
It left manager Neil Lennon with only one senior goalkeeping option in Scott Bain ahead of the new campaign.
Craig Gordon had left the club at the beginning of the summer to return to Heart of Midlothian, where he began his career.
Celtic embark on their attempt to become the first Scottish club to win 10 league titles in a row, this weekend. They will likely look to bring in further recruits before the beginning of their European campaign, which kicks off in August.
🇬🇷 𝘽𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝘽𝙝𝙤𝙮! 🟢⚪️
Welcome to the #9INAROW Champions, Vasilis Barkas 🧤
The 26-year-old @EthnikiOmada international goalkeeper joins on a four-year contract! ✍️ pic.twitter.com/HkL8mmYlzz— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 30, 2020
Following last year's decision to end the season prematurely, which saw Celtic crowned champions after opening a 13-point lead over Rangers, this season will kick off behind closed doors.
There are hopes that supporters will be allowed into the grounds in some capacity soon. The club expressed its hope that this would take place sooner rather than later.
"We also have an obligation to our own supporters to make the case for them to be allowed to watch live football, particularly when they can see the steady progress towards this in other European leagues," said Peter Lawell, Celtic's chief executive.
"Alongside other sporting bodies, Celtic will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the Scottish Government and look forward to early progress."
The Hoops host Rangers at Celtic Park on October 17th.
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