Atlanta United confirm the signing of Georgios Giakoumakis from Celtic | OneFootball

Atlanta United have announced the signing of Greece international striker Giorgos Giakoumakis from Celtic.

The 28-year-old was set to join Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds before the Major League Soccer club hijacked the deal.

Celtic have already signed South Korean striker Hyeon-Gyu Oh as Giakoumakis’ replacement.

The Greek ended his time at the Scottish Premiership club with 26 goals in 57 appearances.

He joined them from VVV-Venlo in 2021 and played an integral role as the Hoops won the title and Scottish League Cup.

Giakoumakis was the league’s joint-highest goalscorer last term with 13 goals.

He also scored most goals in the Eredivisie in 2020-21 and will be keen to hit the ground running in the MLS.

The former AEK Athens hitman could not establish himself in Celtic’s starting XI.

He started just seven of the 28 games he featured in this term.

However, he scored nine goals and was always a threat for the Bhoys.

Atlanta were convinced by his performances for Celtic and they quickly swooped.

They finished 11th in the Eastern Conference last year and will be hoping to do better in the 2023 season.

Giakoumakis’ arrival at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium should make the Five Stripes better in the final third.

They last won silverware in 2019 and will be hungry to pick up a trophy this season.

Atlanta kick off the new campaign against St Jose on February 26. Giakoumakis will be expected to make his competitive debut in that game.

They face Toluca and St. Louis in their last two friendly matches before the season starts, and the new man could taste action.