Celtic striker, Giorgos Giakoumakis, yesterday returned to Glasgow after completing a medical examination in Amsterdam for his possible transfer to the Japanese club, Urawa Red Diamonds.
Greek media outlets recently reported that Giakoumakis has returned from Holland where he underwent a medical exam in preparation for a potential move to Japan. And Celtic supporters who met the popular current Celtic striker on his travels say that the player wasn’t yet committing to any specific club but was prepared to say that he was definitely leaving Celtic.
With no agreement from Celtic to transfer the striker to Atlanta United in in MSL the only viable current option is the move to the J-League – unless something changes. There have been reports late last night of strong interest from Italy in moving for the player and no doubt his agent will be well aware of this. All he needs to do is tell them what they have to do to match the offer Celtic have accepted from Urawa Red Diamonds then match or better the personal terms.
The Japanese club, Urawa Red Diamonds, seems to be the likely destination for the greek striker as Celtic has appeared to reject the loan deal proposed by the MLS side, Atlanta City, which had Giakoumakis on loan with the option to buy later in the summer. That jam tomorrow approach was unappealing to Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson.
So as things stand Japanese side, Urawa Red Diamonds, is the only club who have tabled an offer which Celtic is willing to accept. However, Giakoumakis hasn’t put pen to paper quite yet, so it is possible that he is holding out for another offer from a different club. This would make sense as Giakoumakis had previously made it clear that he would prefer to play European football. Giakoumakis proved himself to be an excellent goal-scorer for Celtic last season and will be a sad loss in the scoring arsenal of Ange Postecoglou.
Most Celtic fans will be sad to see Giakoumakis leave but it is clear that his mind is made up and we hope that he gets the move that suits him best.
#Giakoumakis excl.update: Another twist in Giorgos Giakoumakis @CelticFC exit. #Celtic rejected @ATLUTD ‘s initial loan deal & pushed him to #urawareds Diamonds. He already underwent his medicals in Holland. Returns now to Scotland to complete the move. https://t.co/b9sueP8L97
— Johnny Georgopoulos (@YanniRamone) January 27, 2023
Me and Gio both boarding our flights for our deadline day moves 🍀📝 pic.twitter.com/246LuxFltj
— Paul Jamieson (@PaulJam29803786) January 27, 2023
He said it wasn’t Atlanta but he wouldn’t be staying, wished him all the best Dan and thanked him. He as a cracking guy, stood talking for a good few minutes with each person that approached him 🍀
— Paul Jamieson (@PaulJam29803786) January 27, 2023
UPDATE: Giorgos Giakoumakis (pictured at the airport yesterday) has passed a medical in The Netherlands, ahead of a proposed move to Urawa Red Diamonds.
Atlanta United are still trying to gazump URD. But, their loan with option-to-buy bids have been rejected by Celtic, so far. https://t.co/9HsF44e77d pic.twitter.com/02HrD9zYB5
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) January 28, 2023
Name used in article of the mls club should be Atlanta United not Atlanta City…