Several Celtic players have been linked with moves away from Parkhead in the ongoing January transfer window. It is not hard to understand why either, considering how impressive some of them have been during the run of Ange Postecoglou as manager. Sooner or later, a few were bound to draw transfer interest from outside of Scotland.
With Celtic still challenging for three trophies this season, it is important that they sign replacements before letting any of their key players leave in the middle of the campaign.
That is exactly what makes the situation of Giorgos Giakoumakis very interesting. The Greek international has been linked with a move away for a number of weeks now. But with Cho Gue-sung looking set to remain at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Carl Tengstedt having joined Benfica, it has become complicated for Celtic to let the striker leave before bringing in a replacement. Yet, it looks like the club have already agreed a transfer deal.
As tweeted out by Fabrizio Romano, Urawa Red Diamonds have reached an agreement with Celtic for transfer of Giakoumakis. It’s understood to be a €4 million package. Personal terms are still under discussion.
Celtic have agreed surprise transfer exit deal
The deal is surprising in more ways than one. Firstly, because Celtic are yet to sign a striker this month to replace Giakoumakis.
And secondly because one would have expected the Hoops to seek a much larger transfer fee than €4 million to let someone of Giakoumakis’ quality go.
The Greek striker was almost scoring for fun in the second half of last season and was a key part behind their Premiership triumph. Also, although he has not earned a lot of plaudits in this campaign, the striker’s performances have been extremely solid.
According to stats from Transfermarkt, Giakoumakis has scored 9 goals and provided an assist in 28 appearances while playing 1046 minutes of football in total. Most of those displays have come off the bench.