Celtic wantaway striker Georgios Giakoumakis wanted to become a top earner at Parkhead leading to his exit, according to Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Giakoumakis on the move

Greek striker Giakoumakis is set to leave Celtic in the coming days with a move to Atlanta United in the MLS the likely destination, with Fabrizio Romano revealing he’s heading to Mexico to join up with Atlanta’s pre-season ahead of a £4.3m move.

The 28-year-old arrived 18 months ago after netting SPFL appearances coming his way this campaign.

He’s been left out of the five previous squads as his departure becomes imminent from Glasgow.

The Latest: Joseph’s comments

Speaking to The Celtic Exchange, Sky Sports reporter Joseph revealed that Giakoumakis had become disgruntled at Celtic Park for a while and gave an update on the deal that is so far not official, saying:

(46:56) “Our understanding is that Giakoumakis was looking for improved terms and wanted more playing time, I think he felt he was promised more playing time.

“I don't know the part about Ange not being happy about what he was asking for but I know that talks broke down between Giakoumakis and the club, he wanted to be one of the top earners at the club.”

“Over in America, there's more complexities to a transfer, especially an integral international transfer inwards to the MLS, so as far as I was aware on deadline day that's what was putting the move on hold, and there's no rush with either club actually.”

The Verdict: Unsurprising departure

It’s unsurprising to see Giakoumakis head for the Celtic Park exit door amid the issues going on behind closed doors regarding his contract demands, with a lack of game time also down to the brilliant form that Furuhashi has enjoyed this season, with the Japanese the SPFL’s top scorer.

Celtic’s highest earner according to salary sport is captain Callum McGregor on £32k-per-week whilst the Greece international earns just £12k-per-week, but given Furuhashi’s form a bumper deal bringing him closer to McGregor would likely see him eclipse the 28-year-old’s salary, not something Celtic would be open to doing.

Postecoglou has also already moved to bring in Giakoumakis’ replacement with South Korean striker Hyeon-gyu Oh joining for a fee of £3m last month (via Daily Record), all but ending any chance that Giakoumakis would remain at the club.