Giorgos Giakoumakis seals Celtic exit as Atlanta United snap up last season’s Premiership joint-top scorer
GIORGOS GIAKOUMAKIS has completed his transfer from Celtic to Atlanta United.
SunSport understands the MLS outfit have snapped-up the popular Greek hitman for a fee which could rise to around £4.3million.
His deadline day departure from Parkhead brings to an end one of this January transfer window's longest-running sagas.
Giakoumakis' exit from Celtic has looked likely for over two months.
It was back in November when it was revealed that talks between the club and the 28-year old over an improved deal had broken down.
Despite Giakoumakis being contracted with the Hoops until 2026, it quickly became apparent that he'd likely be moving on once the transfer window opened.
READ MORE FOOTBALL
Several clubs across the globe were alerted to his availability, and mega-rich Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds appeared to be the front-runners.
But having seen an initial loan-based offer batted-off by Celtic, Atlanta United returned to the fray late doors, determined to get their man and managed to thrash out a deal with the Hoops.
The transfer is expected to net Celtic an initial £3.5m with a further £800,000 in add-ons to follow.
Just before announcing the deal, Atlanta took a cheeky dig at their J-League signing rivals Urawa.
Most read in Football
Showing a plane landing heading into Atlanta, the captain can be heard saying: "Instead of Saitama, Japan, we are now been re-routed."
Giakoumakis leaves after just 18 months in Glasgow.
A short time before Atlanta confirmed his arrival, the striker delivered an emotional 'goodbye' to Celtic on Instagram.
He said: "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!"
Despite the relatively short stay, he managed to make a big impact following his £2.5m switch from VVV-Venlo in the summer of 2021.
After a slow start and although he often found himself on the bench, Giakoumakis was the joint-top scorer in the Scottish Premiership last season after firing 13 league goals.
In total, he struck 26 times in 57 appearances wearing the green and white hoops.
Giakoumakis last featured for Celtic in their Viaplay Cup semi-final against Kilmarnock earlier this month, in which he scored the clinching goal in a 2-0 win.
Afterwards, he appeared to wave goodbye to the fans and wasn't involved in the squad following that Hampden victory.
He becomes one of Atlanta's designated players, which means he's one of a select few players whose wages won't count towards the MLS salary cap, meaning he's set for a bumper deal.
Giakoumakis' contract in Atlanta, like his now former Hoops deal, will run until 2026.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Former Rangers star Carlos Bocanegra is Atlanta's technical director and he revealed the striker was on the club's radar for some time.
Expressing his delight at his signing, the ex-Ibrox defender said: “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.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page