According to journalist, Johnny Georgopoulos, Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis has sealed his move to the MLS with Atlanta United. Both the US side and Japanese outfit, Urawa Red Diamonds were vying for his services and it had become a bit of a tug-of-war. But it now seems that it has been all cleared up and Giorgos will get his preferred move to the USA now.
The big Greek forward had been at Celtic Park 18 months after signing for £2.5 million in the summer transfer window of 2021. After a tricky start to life in a Celtic shirt, the big man came into his own and score some crucial goals as we snatched the title back from the newest Ibrox club last season. His form really hit its peak towards the end of the season and he finished joint-top goalscorer in the Scottish Premiership during the 2021/22 campaign.
* principle
— Giannis Chorianopoulos (@choria80) January 30, 2023
However, with Kyogo Furuhashi’s form this season – having hit 20 goals already in all competitions – the former AEK Athens man has found his game time limited, which was deciding factor in him turning down the offer of a new contract with the club back in November of this year.
It now looks more and more like we have seen the last of Giorgos Giakoumakis and he will join Josip Juranovic in playing his football somewhere different from now on. It was great whilst it lasted and the Hoops did get a good deal of football out of both men when they were at Parkhead. The only thing that may be leaving a bad taste in the mouth is the part sums that they have departed for.
Juranovic was slightly better but the Giakoumakis when all is said and done will be £3.5 million up front and them £800,000 in potential add-ons based on certain performance criteria. £4.3 million for a striker of that quality is really poor no matter which way you cut it and the club must not allow such a scenario happen in the future.
Exclusive #Giakoumakis: DONE DEAL!Greek striker joins @MLS side @ATLUTD as a Designated Player! @CelticFC accepted £4.3 million bid (£3.5 mil. Transfer fee + £800,000 on bonuses). Transfer announcement over the next few days. #CelticFC #urawareds #Atlanta https://t.co/4R4LqW6qeS pic.twitter.com/EGRtvA6zy3
— Johnny Georgopoulos (@YanniRamone) January 30, 2023
One more thing about the big man Giorgos #Giakoumakis. It is expected that he will sign officially the new contract with @ATLUTD around midnight (GMT). He played for 1.5 season in #Celtic but he ‘ll never forget the fans and the club. @Celtic. Respect to this guy! #CelticFC pic.twitter.com/ONhfqCuKu5
— Johnny Georgopoulos (@YanniRamone) January 30, 2023
🇬🇷 | Giorgos Giakoumakis
MLS side Atlanta Utd have completed the signing of Giorgos Giakoumakis in a deal worth £4 3M.
An announcement is expected to be made by the American club in the coming days.
[@SdnaGr] pic.twitter.com/2ZSEzZZYay
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) January 30, 2023
Paul Gillespie
