GIORGOS GIAKOUMAKIS’ 18-month career at Celtic is coming to an end.
The Greek striker is waiting for a US work visa to complete a £4.2million switch to Atlanta United – and the deal is only hours away from being rubberstamped.
The transfer saga will be complete before the Scottish midnight deadline this evening with Giakoumakis now heading Stateside, as CQN reported last week.
The 28-year-old frontman, who cost £2.5million when he joined from Dutch side VVV-Venlo in August 2021, has agreed a long-term contract with the MLS outfit after passing a medical.
STOPPAGE-TIME WINNER…Giorgos Giakoumakis slides in to claim the last-gasp points-clincher against St Johnstone in Perth on October 8.
NET PROFIT…Giorgos Giakoumakis follows the ball over the line.
CROWDPLEASER…Giorgos Giakoumakis is engulfed by delighted Celtic fans at McDiarmid Park after his heroics.
Now all that is required is for the red tape to be sorted and the powerful attacker, who scored 26 goals in 57 games for the Hoops, will be a designated Atlanta player for the new season.
The Americans initially wanted a loan deal before making it permanent, but the champions were not interested in any sort of temporary contract.
It was reported cash-rich J-League club Urawa Red Diamonds were willing to put money up front with £4million on the table.
The tug-of-war for Giakoumakis’ service is now just a work permit away from reaching its conclusion, according to Greek media outlet SDNA.
THE FINAL FAREWELL…Giorgos Giakoumakis seals Celtic’s Viaplay League Cup win as he tucks the ball behind Kilmarnock keeper Sam Walker. It turned out to be the Greek’s last goal and appearance for the champions.
The Georgian outfit will make the international a ‘Designated Player’ which will allow them to exceed the MLS salary cap.
The initial agreement will see the Hoops receive £3.4million up front with add-ons making up the rest of the agreed fee. The additional clauses will reportedly be based on goals and appearances in his debut season.
After a slow start at Parkhead, Giakoumakis completed his debut campaign with 17 goals – only three behind Ange Postecoglou’s first-choice hitman Kyogo Furuhashi.
The attacker’s final strike for the Parkhead club came in the 2-0 Viaplay League Cup win over Kilmarnock 17 days ago.
*CQN will be covering every move at Celtic all the way through to the final curtain call at midnight. Please continue to watch this space!
