It’s being reported tonight that while things are moving closer to a conclusion, it’s unlikely Giakoumakis will move from Celtic on deadline day. [Football Scotland]
What does that mean?
Because the two clubs who are in for the Celtic striker have transfer windows independent of European football, they can still sign players from Europe beyond the deadline at our end.
The American transfer window closes on April 24, while the Japanese market shuts up shop on March 31.
It gives both Urawa Reds and Atlanta more time to get the deal over the line. It’s not ideal for Celtic, but they could hold onto Giakoumakis for a bit longer than first thought.
The hoops have already signed a replacement in Oh Hyeongyu, who made his debut from the bench at Tannadice on Sunday. It’s still unlikely the Greek striker will pull on the Hoops again.
We want to clarify that if an announcement isn’t forthcoming on deadline day, it doesn’t mean Giakoumakis will stay until summer. It just means the clubs wanting him still need to get their ducks in a row.
With him and his family captured on photo at Glasgow Airport today I would say its highly unlikely he will stay at Celtic.