Giorgos Giakoumakis could now leave Celtic on LOAN initially before he makes a permanent switch to the MLS.
The Greek striker's transfer saga continues as the 28-year-old edges closer to an exit from Glasgow. Giakoumakis' contract talks stalled with Ange Postecoglou's men this month and since the forward has been closely linked with a move to the MLS through Atlanta United and the J-League with Urawa Red Diamonds.
Celtic have moved to recruit Oh Hyeon-Gyu to bolster their attack with the Korean penning a long-term deal in Glasgow worth around £2.5m. But Giakoumakis could now leave this month on an initial loan deal with Atlanta biding their time of a permanent swoop and a purchase option.
READ MORE: Oh Hyeon-Gyu in Celtic debut warning as he reveals moment he knew Parkhead move was a must
According to a club insider, spoken to by the official MLS website, Gonzalo Pineda's men would be looking for a deal that is "likely to be a loan with a purchase option that would automatically trigger if certain performance-based incentives hit. Such a structure without an upfront transfer fee aids Atlanta’s pursuit as the club revamp the squad this winter."
How Parkhead chiefs would feel about letting Giakoumakis go without an upfront fee is unclear, but with the striker's key goal contributions this season he remains a top asset for the Scottish champions.
Meanwhile forgotten Celtic forward Patryk Klimala is at something of a career crossroads after his £3.5m move from Neil Lennon's side to New York Red Bulls in 2021 ended in missed opportunities.
The same MLS website claims: "Patryk Klimala’s future was already destined to be away from the Red Bulls, after failing to make a significant impact following a $4 million transfer from Celtic in 2021, but the likely Vanzier signing further seals that fate.
"The club have been working to move him most of the winter, including some preliminary trade talks with other MLS clubs earlier this offseason, but no exit deal is imminent yet."
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