Celtic are likely to face competition from numerous clubs for the Greece International striker Georgios Giakoumakis, according to VVV Venlo General Manager Marco Bogers. The Dutch minnows were relegated from the Eredivisie last season – despite the Celtic target ending up as the league’s top goalscorer with 26 goals in 30 matches – are clearly struggling financially and have set a realistic price for the striker and that is attracting considerable attention.
Bundesliga 2 side Werder Bremen, they were also related last season, have had the player visit their set-up and have made an attractive offer to the player regarding his own personal terms, but the German club has so far failed to meet the VVV Venlo asking price of around £3m.
That pushed Celtic ahead in what appeared to be a two horse race, until now, with Bogers keen to emphasise that other clubs are set to enter the race for the 26 year old’s signature.
“Celtic and Werder Bremen have officially approached us.,” the Dutch club’s General manager confirmed, as reported by Scottish Sun. “But there are more clubs now showing interest, so the game isn’t over yet. We expect even more clubs to be in touch.
“It must be a good deal for all parties. Everyone must benefit from it.Georgios must have the right feeling about the club and we do have a price in mind that must be put on the table.
“It is clear that after relegation and a year of Covid, our financial situation will not get any rosier. A transfer is not an absolute necessity, but it would be better for all parties if it happens.”
Celtic appear to have no problem meeting the asking price, with the Dutch minnows giving their star player permission to speak to interested clubs. Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has taken the lead in this himself and has spoke to his Greek compatriot about joining him in Glasgow.
Georgios Giakoumakis will be well aware of the quality in this Celtic side, with the club defeating Eredivisie high flyers AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday night, so if Dom McKay can get an agreement with the player on his reportedly modest personal terms then there’s no reason why this deal isn’t finalised.
You will of course recall that Celtic did not announce the Carl Starfelt signing (more on him shortly) until the sale of Kristoffer Ajer was completed with Premier League new boys Brentford. Are we waiting on the Odsonne Edouard sale to go through before concluding on the Georgios Giakoumakis transfer and if so are we risking missing out?
