Celtic star Giorgos Giakoumakis has now accepted an offer to join Atlanta United in a last-gasp January transfer. But the MLS franchise does not have an agreement with the Hoops.
That is according to SDNA, which reports the chance to join the Five Stripes has captivated the striker. Giakoumakis believes Atlanta United offers everything he wants in his next club as a transfer from Celtic nears. He could clinch a switch to America over the next few days.
It will take an exceptional turn of events for Giakoumakis to not transfer to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium side. He does not favour a move to Japan with Urawa Red Diamonds. Atlanta United piqued Giakoumakis’ attention from the moment they first explored his availability.
Atlanta United have increased their offer for Giakoumakis’ transfer from Celtic
Celtic had accepted Urawa Red Diamonds’ bid for Giakoumakis but he does not see the J-League side as an exciting option. All that now remains is for the Hoops and Atlanta United to agree to a fee for the 28-year-old’s transfer. He is ready to accept the Five Stripes’ offer.
The Daily Record also adds that Urawa Red Diamonds and Atlanta United have made Celtic offers for Giakoumakis’ transfer. It notes that the MLS franchise have increased their bid to £4m and hope to seal a deal. The Five Stripes’ bid could prove to be enough for the Bhoys.
The Hoops had agreed on a deal to sell Giakoumakis to Urawa Red Diamonds
Celtic were prepared to sell Giakoumakis to Urawa Red Diamonds after accepting an initial £3m bid, per Sky Sports. But the forward kept his options open with Atlanta United also on the scene. Even though The Scottish Sun reported the Hoops want a total deal worth £8m.
The Parkhead natives only paid VVV-Venlo £2.5m to sign Giakoumakis on a five-year, £12k-a-week deal in August 2021. But his future in Glasgow has been uncertain this winter after the Daily Record reported that talks over a new contract and a pay rise had fallen through.
Giakoumakis has also only held a backup role in Ange Postecoglou’s plans so far this term. The striker has started just four of his 19 Premiership appearances despite scoring six and assisting a goal. He has only started in seven of his 28 appearances across all competitions.
Yet Postecoglou should feel comfortable in letting a forward whom Pierre Van Hooijdonk has praised leave Parkhead. The Hoops have now added another striker to the Australian’s squad. Suwon Samsung Bluewings have sold Oh Hyeon-Gyu to the Bhoys for up to £3m.
“If you use him properly and play to his strengths, he’s going to get the club a lot of goals,” Van Hooijdonk explained, via quotes by the Daily Record, after Celtic signed Giakoumakis.
“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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