Ange Postecoglou has told Celtic fans he still expects Giorgos Giakoumakis to make his Parkhead exit shortly despite the hold up.

Many expected the Greek striker’s Celtic Park career to come to an end in deadline day, but it never materialised.

The two clubs vying for his signature are not confined to the rules of the European transfer window. Urawa Reds in Japan and Atlanta FC in America Transfer windows remain open. The Japanese market closes on March 31, while the US window is open until mid-April.

It means these sides can sign players from European clubs after the deadline while their windows remain open.

Speaking to BBC Sportsound, Ange confirmed the deal isn’t finalised quite yet: “No, it’s still not finalised.

“People will be aware that obviously the markets are looking at him under deadline pressure.

Ange Postecoglou
14th January 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Viaplay Cup Football Semi Final, Celtic versus Kilmarnock; Celtic Manager Angelos Postecoglou gives a thumbs up to a fan in the stand

“I expect a conclusion but nothing is confirmed.”

He added: “Oliver Abildgaard is gone – obviously he’s moved on and there might be one or two more.

“Again, less likely now that the window’s shut. 

“But from our perspective I think it’s been a real positive window for us, in terms of what we tried to achieve through it, and the strategy we had.

“I think from now on we’ll be settled.”

Celtic had a quiet deadline day. They fielded more offers for their fringe players than anything else. Offers were rebuffed for Stephen Welsh, while Conor Hazard knocked back a move to Ross County on loan.

The manager talks about more heading out in the coming weeks. Yosuke Ideguchi is expected to head back to the J-League sooner rather than later.

The club brought in four players during the January window. Alistair Johnston is already a first team player, while Tomoki Iwata, Yuki Kobayashi and Oh are being bled into the team slowly.

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