The Giorgos Giakoumakis Celtic exit saga has dragged on for much longer than anybody could have anticipated. The expectation was that the Greek striker would complete a transfer away from Parkhead in January, but the window came and went. But now, it looks like a move is finally on the verge of completion.
The two sides who seemed to be in the running for Giakoumakis were Urawa Red Diamonds and Atlanta United. And the MLS side appear to have won the race for his signature.
Rumours had suggested that Giakoumakis preferred a move to the MLS over the J League, and now, it looks like he will be getting his wish soon enough.
As tweeted out by Fabrizio Romano, Giakoumakis to Atlanta United is a done done. The Greek striker is traveling to Mexico together with his agent, where the MLS club’s pre-season is taking place, for his medical tests. Celtic will receive a £4.3 million transfer fee and the player will sign a three-year deal with option.
Massive news about Giakoumakis’ Celtic exit
Celtic have already brought in Giakoumakis’ replacement in the form of Oh Hyeon-gyu. He had shown immense potential during his time at Suwon Samsung Bluewings and hopefully, he will develop into a top striker at Parkhead.
It must be said that Giakoumakis leaving in the middle of the season, with three titles to play for, is not good news for Celtic.
He was extremely important in their Premiership triumph last season, especially in the second half of the campaign when Kyogo was out injured and Giakoumakis took up the goalscoring mantle.
Thus, it is safe to say that Oh has big boots to fill. Celtic have shown a great eye for talent in recent times though and one can only hope that they have gotten it right with the South Korean international as well.