CHRIS SUTTON has one word to describe reports Celtic will accept an initial offer of £3.5million for Giorgos Giakoumakis: “Bonkers!”
The former Hoops goal hero is astonished the Parkhead club would consider selling the Greek international striker for such a paltry fee.
Giakoumakis cost £2.5million when Ange Postecoglou signed him from Dutch minnows VVV-Venlo in August 2021.
However, it could be argued the player’s value has rocketed during his time at Parkhead as he helped the team win the Premiership and now has experience of the European top-flight after playing in the Champions League.
GRAND FINALE…Giorgos Giakoumakis puts the finishing touches to Celtic’s win over Kilmarnock in the Viaplay Cup as he nets the second goal past keeper Sam Walker.
Giakoumakis is heading for the Parkhead exit after knocking back an enhanced contract before the turn of the year. The 28-year-old frontman is clearly not satisfied with the lack of game-time and he last started a match in the 4-2 win over Dundee United in Glasgow on November 5.
Since then, he has been substitute on nine successive occasions and his clinching goal in the Viaplay League Cup semi-final against Kilmarnock at the weekend was his first strike since the 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk on October 25.
Cash-rich J-League club Urawa Red Diamonds apparently lead the chase for the powerhouse’s signature and reports a bid of £3.5million have proved to be premature with the player’s agent due in Glasgow this week to thrash out details before Giakoumakis finally says farewell.
Sutton insisted Celtic will be selling themselves short if they are even tempted to allow the frontman, who is under contract until June 2026, to leave for a minimal fee.
The one-time England international forward believes Postecoglou’s side cannot take their eye off the ball in the race for their second successive championship, despite being nine points ahead.
Sutton said on Twitter: “I’m not sure what goes on behind the scenes and who maybe coming in the door but this seems bonkers letting Giakoumakis go right now for such a small fee… there’s a league to win!”
MLS side Atlanta United are also still interested in Giakoumakis, but the loan-to-buy bid from relegation-threatened Serie A club Sampdoria in a non-starter.
