Giorgos Giakoumakis has traded Celtic for a new start in the MLS with Atlanta United.
The Hoops forward - who joined the club 18 months ago from VVV-Venlo - made a slow start to life at Parkhead before bursting onto the scene and netting 17 goals in 29 appearances in his debut campaign under Ange Postecoglou. This season he has found minutes from the start much harder to come by due to the form of fans' favourite Kyogo Furuhashi but has still netted nine times including a Champions League group stage strike.
The Greece international penned a five-year deal on his arrival in Scotland but after an excellent return in year one of his long-term deal he was hoping for improved fresh terms but talks stalled and after a long-running transfer saga, the 28-year-old has now moved on from Celtic to start a new challenge. Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan had also been keen to make a move happen but he's chosen to ply his trade in the MLS after penning a deal until 2026.
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Before the switch was confirmed by both clubs, the striker took to Instagram to send his goodbyes to the Celtic support. He wrote: "Well, that difficult time has arrived! It was an incredible journey! I loved and was loved by the incomparable, amazing Celtic fans! Thank you very much! You will forever be in my heart and mind. I will be forever grateful to you! Goodbye. Your GG!"
A short Celtic club statement read: "Giorgos Giakoumakis has joined Atlanta United on a permanent transfer. Everyone at #CelticFC thanks Giorgos for his efforts for the Club and wishes him good luck in Atlanta."
Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra told Atlanta United's official website: "Giorgos is a player who’s been on the club’s radar for a while and we’re excited to bring him to Atlanta. He’s a powerful striker who loves to get in the box and score goals.
"He plays with a high intensity, works hard and is someone we think will help the team both in the attack and leading the line defensively. We’re excited to welcome him to the club and integrate him into the squad.”
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