Urawa Red Diamonds are now leading Sampdoria in the race to seal Giorgos Giakoumakis’ transfer from Celtic. But a host of rival suitors have also expressed an interest in a swoop.
That is according to The Scottish Sun, which reports Celtic have informed each of his likely suitors of their valuation. Parkhead chiefs have slapped an £8m price tag on their forward with him under contract to 2026. But issues over a new deal have opened a door to leave.
Ange Postecoglou is also ready to reinvest any funds Giakoumakis’ transfer raise with a bid for Cho Gue-Sung. Celtic are ready to pay Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors £3m to sign their South Korea international. But the Evening Standard reports he favours a move to FSV Mainz 05.
Urawa Red Diamonds now lead Sampdoria for Giakoumakis’ transfer from Celtic
At least six teams are interested in Giakoumakis’ potential transfer from Celtic with Urawa Red Diamonds emerging as the favourites. The J-League side have rich resources through backing from Mitsubishi and are prepared to meet the Hoops’ asking price during January.
Sampdoria would prefer to hire the Greece international on loan in January with a view to a permanent summer switch. The Blucerchiati’s possible move to buy Giakoumakis would also hinge on the Stadio Luigi Ferraris natives avoiding relegation from Serie A this season.
Dejan Stankovic’s side currently sit just 19th in the Italian top-flight and are six points from safety. They also boast the worst offence in Serie A with just eight goals through 17 games. Giakoumakis has offered Celtic eight goals in 27 games across all competitions this season.
Yet teams in Germany, Russia, the USA and the Middle East have also approached Celtic to express an interest in Giakoumakis’ transfer. BT also reports FC Midtjylland have contacted the 28-year-old to discuss a possible move. But Ulvene accept it would be a ‘big challenge’.
Giakoumakis could net the Hoops a big profit just 17 months after joining them
Giakoumakis only joined Celtic from VVV-Venlo for up to £2.5m in August 2021 with a five-year contract worth £12k-a-week. But the Daily Record noted in November that the Hoops had failed to agree on his new contract. So, Postecoglou would consider letting him move.
Now, teams are lining up at Giakoumakis’ door to discuss a transfer from Celtic with Urawa Red Diamonds at the front of the queue. Although Sampdoria’s need for goals may see the Serie A side push harder to sign a striker who ex-Hoops star Pierre van Hooijdonk praised.
“If you use him properly and play to his strengths, he’s going to get the club a lot of goals,” Van Hooijdonk said, via the Daily Record, after Celtic signed Giakoumakis from VVV-Venlo.
“The level of his finishing is top-class. If you look at his goals, most of them are really good goals with a real identity. They’re not all just about power.”
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