Despite the challenges and frustrations that defined his time with the Hoops, Barkas has demonstrated remarkable resilience and improvement since departing the Scottish champions.

During the 2022/23 season, Barkas was loaned out to Utrecht, where he sought to rejuvenate his career and rediscover his form. It was during this period that he expressed reservations about goalkeepers joining Celtic, citing his own struggles and experiences at the club.

Following a productive loan spell at Utrecht the Greek international was released from his Celtic contract a year early, in June 2023. This decision allowed him to return to Utrecht on a free transfer, where he has since continued to build on his positive performances.

A testament to his resurgence was a recent terrific save Barkas shared on his Instagram story, illustrating the goalkeeper’s renewed confidence and ability.

Fans posed the question of how he wasn’t “99 rated” alluding to a video game.

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