The January transfer window has been very eventful for Celtic to say the least. The club have signed four players this month in the form of Yuki Kobayashi, Alistair Johnston, Tomoki Iwata and Oh Hyeon-gyu. If things go to plan and they are able to adjust to the Scottish game, then all of them are expected to have key first-team roles.
On the other hand, there have been key exits as well. Josip Juranovic has left to join Union Berlin, who are putting up an unlikely Bundesliga title challenge and sit just one point behind Bayern Munich right now.
And after a long-running transfer saga full of twists and turns, it looks like Giorgos Giakoumakis’ next destination is now set as well.
As tweeted out by Johnny Georgopoulos, it is a done deal and Giakoumakis will join Atlanta United as a Designated Player. Celtic accepted the £4.3 million transfer bid, £3.5 million initial fee plus £800,000 on bonuses. Transfer announcement over the next few days.
Celtic transfer exit announcement set to be made in the next few days with deal now done
It is safe to say that this was a stunning transfer saga that was full of twists and turns almost every day.
For a long time, it had looked like Giakoumakis was destined to join J League side, Urawa Red Diamonds, who had had an offer accepted a while back if rumours were accurate.
But then, Atlanta United ended up making a late offer for the Greek striker, which was also accepted and now, it appears that Giakoumakis is headed for the MLS.
It is safe to say that a player of Giakoumakis’ quality leaving in the middle of the season, with three titles still to play for, is a big worry for Celtic. One can only hope that Oh will be able to replace him.