Giorgos Giakoumakis has reportedly passed a medical with Urawa Red Diamonds as his exit from Celtic looms. But it's claimed Atlanta United are still holding out hope and could test Celtic with another bid to take him to MLS.
The Greek striker is on the verge of leaving Parkhead after 18 months and Celtic are open to offers after signing his replacement in Hyeongyu Oh. 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 and will only listen to cash offers.
Step forward Urawa as the J-League side move back into pole position. It's now reported by multiple sources, including Sky Sports and Greek outlet SDNA, that he has passed a medical in the Netherlands ahead of a move and is now on his way back to Glasgow to put the final touches on the move. SDNA cite a £3.5m fee - although it's likely that is just the base fee before any conditional add-ons.
Sky's Anthony Joseph shared a photo of the striker waiting at the airport on Saturday, seemingly in the Netherlands. Speaking about Giakoumakis on Friday, Ange Postecoglou said: “There is no great urgency from us or anyone. Giako just wants to explore some options for himself and that is what he is doing. If he finds something he really wants to explore, and it’s suitable to us as a club, we will look at it in that light.”
The Hoops face Dundee United on Sunday with Giakoumakis unlikely to be involved as his exit stands on the brink. Could that mean a debut for Hyeongyu Oh? “He’s had three sessions now and there’s one on Saturday," he added. "He was in pre-season training, so, physically, he’s in decent shape.
“He obviously hasn’t played since November, so match fitness wise, he’s out a bit. It’s been a big week for him with the travel physically and emotionally, so, again, it’s one I’ll assess. I’ll see how he is going.
“I’m keen to get him involved as quickly as possible. If it is not this weekend, it’ll definitely be midweek.”
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