Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - October 25, 2022. Celtic's Giorgios Giakoumakis shoots.
Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis is set to sign for MLS side Atlanta, rather than Urawa Red Diamonds, according to a report from Greece.
The Lowdown: Giakoumakis set to depart
With Giakoumakis often featuring in a more limited role this season, appearing as a substitute in his last eight matches for Celtic, there have been reports linking him with a move away throughout January.
The Hoops, at one stage, were said to have accepted an initial £3m bid from Urawa Red Diamonds for the striker, with Fabrizio Romano this week claiming that the Japanese side were still ‘leading the race’ for his signature.
The Latest: Agreement with Atlanta
A more recent report from Greece has now indicated that the 28-year-old has agreed to continue his career with Atlanta in the United States, turning down a move to Japan.
All that is left is for Celtic to approve the transfer, which is expected to happen in the next few days.
The Verdict: Right decision?
Whenever the Greece international has been given a run in the team, he has always been very good in front of goal, netting 17 goals in 24 domestic games last season, however a deal is probably the best move for both parties.
Ange Postecoglou has hailed the forward as being ‘super‘, but the Celtic boss is blessed with some fantastic options in attacking areas, namely Kyogo Furuhashi, who is enjoying a prolific season, already on 17 league goals.
Giakoumakis has done very well for Celtic since arriving for £2.5m in 2021, but the Hoops are more than capable of bringing home their second league title in a row without him, and Postecoglou can use the funds raised to invest in other areas of the squad.
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