Ange Postecoglou told Sky Sports today that Giorgos Giakoumakis actively wants to explore the options which would result in his exit from Celtic this month.
Much has been made of all the speculation surrounding the Greek striker with some supporters feeling that the forward is being hard done by as the club reportedly entertains offers from teams around the world.
But it seems Giakoumakis is happy to see what the market has in store for him before the window shuts at the end of January. He’s hardly being kicked out of Celtic or digging his heels in, far from it.
Discussing his situation with Sky Sports today, Postecoglou said: “Nothing has been confirmed. With a few days left in the window, we’ll see what happens with him. He’s still part of us at the moment but there’s a fair bit going on in the background.
“There’s no great urgency from us or anyone. Giakoumakis just wants to explore some options for himself and that’s what he’s doing. If he finds something he really wants to explore and that’s suitable to us as a football club we’ll look at it.”
Later, in a media conference, the manager spoke generally about potential outgoings over the next few days, stating [Celtic YouTube]: “As I have always said it is not about us pushing players out. We are not giving people ultimatums players are in charge of their careers and it is about assessing what the best options are for them.
“If there is parity in everyone’s thoughts around that then things can happen. We still have a few days to go.”
Postecoglou has made it very clear in the past that he won’t stand in the way of players who want to maximise their career opportunities. In fact, he reiterated that last week in the wake of Josip Juranovic’s exit, wishing him well on the way to Germany.
It seems that Giakoumakis either isn’t perfectly content with his playing time or his contract at the Bhoys. Perhaps it’s both. He’s more than entitled to look for a decent move elsewhere if that’s what he fancies.
Celtic have already protected against his exit with the signing of Hyeongyu Oh, so the pressure is off over the next few days. The Bhoys will only sell in the right circumstances and the ball is really in the Greek striker’s court.
If he wants the move, take it. No harm done. Equally, should he stay, Postecoglou will find use for him in a way that’s best for Celtic.
In other news, “I’m not sure his agent would’ve been too happy with him”; Hyeongyu Oh’s class Celtic desire revealed.
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