There have been plenty of twists and turns in the January transfer window for Celtic, but overall, there have been many more positives than negatives for Ange Postecoglou’s side. They have completed four signings, bringing Yuki Kobayashi, Alistair Johnston, Tomoki Iwata and Oh Hyeon-gyu to the club. On the other hand, there have been those who have left as well.
Josip Juranovic was linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe and has completed a move to Union Berlin, who are near the top of the Bundesliga table right now. On the other hand, Scott Robertson has reunited with Scott Brown at Fleetwood Town.
The next exit is expected to be that of Giorgos Giakoumakis, and it is safe to say that his transfer saga has proven to be an absolute thriller till now, and we are still not sure where it is headed to be honest.
Even some hours ago, it had looked certain that Giakoumakis was headed for Urawa Red Diamonds and rumours had suggested that he had even completed his medical. But now, there appears to be a late and unexpected twist in the tale.
Celtic set to accept unexpected £4.3 million transfer bid for striker
As tweeted out by Johnny Georgopoulos, Atlanta United have made an offer of £3.5 million plus £800,000 on bonuses to Celtic for Giakoumakis. The Hoops are set to accept it.
Thus, it looks like Atlanta United are now the favourites to sign Giakoumakis, just when it had looked like he was destined to join Urawa Red Diamonds. Of course, with how many twists and turns this transfer saga has had already, one can take nothing for granted until an official announcement is made.
One thing that looks certain is that Giakoumakis will be departing Celtic Park before the January transfer window slams shut in a few days.
Of course, a player of his calibre leaving, with three titles still to play for, is not good news, and one can only hope that Oh is ready to take his place in the squad and make an impact.