Celtic’s hardball stance on Atlanta City’s interest in signing want-away striker Giorgos Giakoumakis appears to have reaped dividends. The MSL side yesterday had their loan offer with option to buy deal knocked back by Celtic.
Atlanta appears to be the destination of choice for both Giakoumakis and his national team manager Gus Poyet but Michael Nicholson, the Celtic CEO had no interest in the initial approach from the American outfit but did give Giakoumakis permission to travel to The Netherlands yesterday to undergo a medical on behalf of J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds.
Big GG on his way back to Glasgow .. 🍀 pic.twitter.com/l1H74xPyqo
— sammy reilly (@sammyr67) January 27, 2023
Giakoumakis duly passed that medical and as we reported this morning told Celtic supporters he met en route to Amsterdam that he would definitely NOT be staying at Parkhead but that as things stood he would NOT be going to Atlanta.
Giorgis Giakoumakis reacts during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on October 11, 2022 (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
That now appears to have changed with the MSL side coming back, according to reports from Greece, to meet Celtic’s transfer demands with a deal worth £3.5m with up to £800k in add-ons and that offer, is likely to get the green light from the Celtic CEO.
“Big news! Last minute update! Another twist in the tale (the final one). Eventually Atlanta freeing up a Designated Player spot for Giakoumakis & offer has already landed to Celtic ( £3,5 million).
MLS side now big favourites to sign him!
Atlanta offer to Celtic for Giakoumakis is £3.5 million plus 800k on bonuses. As I understand Celtic will accept the offer,” Greek reporter on SDNA Johnny Georgopoulos reports.
Giorgos Giakoumakis during a cinch Premiership match against Ross County at Celtic Park, Saturday November 12, 2022. Photo Steve Welsh
Giakoumakis speaks perfect English and has a wife and young family who prefer The States to the more difficult cultural and language change that moving to Japan would involve. The comments from his national team manager will also be a factor.
In speaking to Giakoumakis at the various Celtic fan media events, including after the match on trophy day last season, it was clear that as a person he is focused, determined and single-minded. His mind is made up to leave Celtic and it’s great that he looks like getting the move he wants. We certainly wish him well and thank him for his contribution at Celtic.
#Giakoumakis BIG NEWS! Last minute update! Another twist in the tale (the final one). Eventually #Atlanta freeing up a Designated Player spot for Giakoumakis & offer has already landed to #Celtic ( £3,5 mil.). @MLS side now big favourites to sign him! @CelticFC #urawareds pic.twitter.com/c1Wj4NTn7C
— Johnny Georgopoulos (@YanniRamone) January 28, 2023
#Giakoumakis update (Pt 2). @ATLUTD offer to @CelticFC for #Giakoumakis is £3.5 mil. + 800k on bonuses. As I understand Celtic will accept the offer. pic.twitter.com/YLOUrCBER7
— Johnny Georgopoulos (@YanniRamone) January 28, 2023
🇬🇷 | Giorgos Giakoumakis
MLS side Atlanta Utd have returned to the table at the last moments with a bid worth up to £4.3M for Giakoumakis.
It's understood Celtic will accept the this offer & despite completing a medical to join Urawa R.D GG will head to Atlanta Utd.
[@SdnaGr] pic.twitter.com/Ra5SDUe0i5
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) January 28, 2023
This is the boy I remember from my teaching days.
Well done Michael !
Not Celtic_fc_1888 to look after player who wants to leave they have to look after club shareholders and supporters he definitely does not want to go to happen but that’s where his wage level is Atlantic are chances a loan move Celtic_fc_1888 have a £4,000,000 bid on table so why let him go on loan cause player wants it no way and if that offer us with drawn he will sit a celtic Park no way atlanta should get Giakoumakis £4,000,000is a bargain