GIORGOS GIAKOUMAKIS will bring an end to his transfer guessing game by agreeing a move to MLS side Atlanta United.
The Greek international striker is on the brink of swapping Glasgow for Georgia, according to a report in media outlet SDNA.
The 28-year-old striker has been at the centre of intense speculation since knocking back an enhanced contract from the champions before the turn of the year.
One of the first clubs linked with Giakoumakis, who cost £2.5million when he arrived from Dutch minnows VVV-Venlo in August 2021, was relegation-threatened Serie A side Sampdoria.
HANDS UP…Giorgos Giakoumakis looks to be heading Stateside.
However, as CQN revealed almost two weeks ago, there was absolutely no chance of the Hoops accepting a loan-to-buy offer from the Italians.
Other clubs were also mentioned along with Giakoumakis, who scored 26 goals in 57 Hoops appearances, before it looked as though cash-rich J-League outfit Orawa Red Diamonds had won the chase with a double-your-money offer while agreeing a fee with the champions which was reported to rise to £8million.
There were a few sceptics who cast doubt on the move ever being rubber-stamped and it appears they had every right to question the finances in such an ambitious move by the Japanese club.
The report from the media source in his Greece homeland now suggests that a move Stateside is the preferred destination of the player who last started a game for Ange Postecoglou’s side in the 4-2 win over Dundee United at Parkhead on November 5.
THE FINAL SAY…Giorgos Giakoumakis knocks the ball past Kilmarnock keeper Sam Walker for the strike that clinched a place for the holders in Viaplay League Cup showpiece at Hampden next month.
His clinching goal in the 2-0 Viaplay League Cup semi-final victory over Kilmarnock was his first strike in almost three months following his effort in the 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk on October 25.
It appears the move to Atlanta will be given the green light once the champions are made an acceptable offer for their forward who is under contract until June 2026.
The clock is ticking and it’s time for interested clubs to show the colour of their money.
It is increasingly looking likely that Giakoumakis will be an ex-Celtic player this time next week.
