Celtic transfer news: Giakoumakis now given Urawa and Atlanta ultimatum

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Celtic have now given Giorgos Giakoumakis an ultimatum over his future at Parkhead after the January window. Urawa Red Diamonds and Atlanta United are pushing for his transfer.

That is according to the Daily Record, which reports Celtic have informed Giakoumakis that he may have to accept a transfer to Urawa or stay in Glasgow. The Greek international has set his sights on a move to Atlanta. But the Hoops want the MLS team to improve their bid.

Giakoumakis wants to move to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for family reasons. He will also sign a more lucrative contract with the Five Stripes than the terms Urawa have offered. Yet Celtic favour the package that the J-League outfit have presented the Bhoys over Atlanta’s.

Celtic have a £4m bid from Urawa on the table while Atlanta have only offered a loan deal for Giakoumakis’ transfer. The Five Stripes’ proposal includes an option to buy the 28-year-old this summer. But the Hoops only want to sanction a permanent transfer in this market.

So, Parkhead chiefs have now given their striker an ultimatum over his future as boss Ange Postecoglou puts his boot down. Giakoumakis either stays at Celtic for, at least, the rest of this season or accepts the transfer on offer to Urawa if Atlanta do not improve their offer.

Postecoglou may keep Giakoumakis at Celtic if his transfer to Atlanta falls through

Postecoglou sees no issue with keeping Giakoumakis at Parkhead if the striker cannot seal a suitable move away. The Bhoys will review the forward’s situation over the summer if he stays down their pecking order. Oh Hyeon-Gyu could emerge as Kyogo Furuhashi’s backup.

Celtic have been open to Giakoumakis’ transfer this month after talks over a new contract collapsed, per the Daily Record. The striker sought a pay rise on his £12k-a-week deal until May 2026. He penned a long-term deal after leaving VVV-Venlo for £2.5m in August 2021.

But the attacker’s desired transfer to America is now at risk of falling through as the Bhoys play hardball over a fee. The Daily Record had reported that Atlanta offered Celtic £4m for Giakoumakis’ transfer. But it has since emerged that the Five Stripes sought an initial loan.