Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis’ prospective switch to Atlanta United is far too cheap for his talent, according to Barry Ferguson.

The Lowdown: Giakoumakis on the move

Alongside Josip Juranovic, who eventually got his move to Union Berlin for £10m last month (via Sky Sports), Giakoumakis had looked likely to leave Celtic Park, with a move away from the SPFL all but confirmed.

It was reported before the transfer deadline by Greek outlet SDNA that Celtic and Atlanta United have reached an agreement on his transfer after contract talks between the 28-year-old and the Bhoys previously broke down.

The article also reported that Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds had offered €3.5m (£3.1m) before the Major League Soccer side hijacked the move to make him a “Designated Player” in America, with the MLS transfer window not closing until 24th April.

The Latest: Ferguson’s comments

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, Ferguson revealed his surprise that Celtic hadn’t stood firmer on a higher asking price for the striker, saying: “I will repeat what I've said on a number of occasions - I think he's a very good centre-forward, I'm still surprised at the transfer fee, if I’m being honest with you.

“I think it was £4.2m or £4.3m, around about that. I think he's worth more than that for the simple fact of the performances he's put in for Celtic this season, and he does, for me, the hardest thing in the game - he scores goals.

“So look, it's clear he will be a big miss, the Celtic fans that I spoke to loved him, they thought the world of him, so they'll be disappointed to see him go.”

The Verdict: Just wanted out?

With Kyogo Furuhashi taking up the goalscoring mantle at Parkhead this season with 19 goals coming so far (BBC), Giakoumakis had been pushed aside in Glasgow, with him making only four SPFL starts this campaign.

Still offering more than enough in terms of goals, with nine coming across all competitions in his limited starts, it’s unsurprising that the Greece international is keen on a new challenge.

The 28-year-old hasn’t featured in the previous three league squads for Celtic, with new £2.5m signing Oh Hyeon-gyu introduced in Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Given his willingness to leave and Oh’s arrival, the limited fee of €3.8m (£3.34m) plus €900k (£790k) in add-ons (via SDNA) was probably enough for Postecoglou, who would’ve been unlikely to want to keep an unhappy player given that a direct alternative was sought.