Giorgos Giakoumakis' departure from Celtic has twisted one way and then the other today as two clubs on either side of the world battle for his signature.
The Greek striker is understood to have undergone medical checks in the Netherlands in relation to a move to Japan to sign for Urawa Red Diamonds and it was expected that he would complete a move to the J-League side as their cash offer was acceptable to Celtic.
Urawa and Atlanta have gone back and forth and the American side had agreed terms with Giakoumakis, but their proposal to Celtic was booted out. They wanted an initial loan deal that would have been made permanent depending on performance-related conditions but the Hoops weren't interested.
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However, it is now being reported in Greece that Atlanta are back in and they have made a solid cash offer of £3.5million plus a further £800,000 in bonuses. The report states this is acceptable to Celtic and the striker will now be going to Major League Soccer.
It has been a remarkable turn of events for the 28-year-old. who decided he wanted out of Parkhead after becoming unhappy over fresh contract terms which had been promised when he signed from Dutch side VVV Venlo where he became top scorer in the Eredivisie.
No doubt Urawa won't give up without a fight but it seems that Giakoumakis is heading to the United States.
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