Celtic aren’t really in a position to sell want-away striker Giorgos Giakoumakis until his replacement is found and has signed on the dotted line and both the incoming and outgoing transfer deals are dragging on with both deals having as many twists and turns as the late, great Tommy Burns in his prime.
Both transfer stories have grown arms and legs over the last few days. Giakoumakis was set to be heading to Japan and that story seemed to unleash a flood of interest in the Greek striker from Italy, United States, Russia (remarkably), Germany and the Middle East.
While over in South Korea the news seemed positive in that it looks like Celtic target Cho Gue-sung will be sold in this window rather than the summer as his club Jeonbuk Hyundai had previously insisted and Celtic’s £3m bid was leading the way with early rivals for the World Cup striker falling by the wayside.
Then theRangers emerged into the story with their interest being reported although predictably enough no bid mentioned. Propaganda from down river, mischief making by an agent looking to force Celtic’s hand or wishful thinking from some blue-nose hack hungry for a story, who really knows? Celtic Gossip describe this link as clickbait nonsense this morning.
Then South Korean outlet Sports Chosun, who have been the main source of factual information on this transfer saga, report that MLS outfit Minnesota Utd have launched a £4.1M bid for Celtic target Cho Gue-sung. This is or course significantly more than the reported offers on the table from Celtic/Mainz have offered.
That higher bid though has one flaw, in that the player himself is looking for a move to Europe and the MSL is unlikely to meet his own aspirations especially after he stood out at the World Cup in Qatar.
🇰🇷 | Cho Gue-sung
MLS outfit Minnesota Utd have launched a £4.1M bid for Celtic target Cho Gue-sung.
This is significantly more than what Celtic/Mainz have offered however the player dreams of a move to Europe.
[Sports Chosun 🇰🇷] pic.twitter.com/R92n3Sm7CG
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) January 10, 2023
Celtic will of course be well aware of developments at the Korean end of the action and will also have full knowledge of what’s happening at Celtic Park as Michael Nicholson handles all enquiries for Giakoumakis.
Fabrizio Romano yesterday reported increasing interest in the Celtic striker. “Giōrgos Giakoumakīs could now leave Celtic as many clubs are approaching the Greek striker. MLS, Japan clubs, also Sampdoria have asked for the conditions of the deal,” the transfer expert reported.
Urawa Red Diamonds appeared to be leading the race for the player but Michael Nicholson will be interested to see how additional interest materialises as the transfer fee is set to hit £8m.
That though is exactly the same game that his counterparts at Jeonbuk Hyundai are also playing trying to maximise the fee for the Celtic target. This chicken and egg saga looks far from approaching the finishing line.
Giōrgos Giakoumakīs could now leave Celtic as many clubs are approaching the Greek striker. 🟢🇬🇷 #transfers
MLS, Japan clubs, also Sampdoria have asked for the conditions of the deal. pic.twitter.com/sbwiaQblvD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 9, 2023
Morning Gossip: As Juranovic & Giakoumakis exits rumble on Stephen Welsh could be joining them with interest from a number of clubs. As regards incomings reports a MLS side now interested in Cho Gue-Sung. The Sevco link is just click bate nonsense. It could be a long January HH pic.twitter.com/OasXRXpkh0
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) January 10, 2023
🇩🇰 𝑪𝒂𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒄 🤔⚽
"Celtic is a fine club. But I don’t want to say more. Of course, I have read all the speculation. And I have to say it is exciting getting." pic.twitter.com/myn4vOJp6B
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) January 10, 2023
