Giorgos Giakoumakis is poised for a shock Celtic exit in January.
The Scottish champions have been unable to reach an agreement over an improved contract with the striker. Talks have been on-going but unless there is a significant change of heart on either side then a suitable compromise is unlikely to be reached. Celtic are also in a similar position with Croatia’s World Cup star Josip Juranovic and are ready to cash in.
There is already strong European interest in Greek international Giakoumakis, who still has a contract until 2026. However, he is unhappy a new deal can’t be agreed. The frontman dropped his wage demands significantly to make the move from VVV-Venlo last year but it was on the understanding his terms would be improved if he had a successful first season in Scottish football. Celtic have offered a pay rise but it is still significantly short of where the 27-year-old feels his salary should be.
He made a slow start to life at Celtic because of Covid and fitness issues but finished the season impressively with 17 goals to help the Hoops seal a dream double. Giakoumakis’ return of 13 strikes from 21 Premiership games was the division’s joint highest. He has already hit eight goals this season but Japanese star Kyogo Furuhashi remains Ange Postecoglou ’s main striker with Giakoumakis making 14 of his 21 league and cup appearances from the bench.
Postecoglou has already made it clear that if players are not happy at Celtic then he will not stand in his way. The Celtic recruitment team are already actively looking at a possible centre forward for the January window. They are also likely to sell Juranovic and have already all but lined up a replacement in Canada’s World Cup defender Alastair Johnston from Montreal Impact.
Celtic have also agreed a deal to sign Yuki Kobayashi from J-League side Vissel Kobe.
