Celtic are just one of many clubs after VVV-Venlo marksman Georgios Giakoumakis.
That’s according to Venlo chief Marco Boogers. Football fans of a certain vintage may remember Boogers for an ill-fated spell at West Ham United. However, he enjoyed an altogether better career in his native Netherlands, and is now a chief at VVV-Venlo, where Giakoumakis starred last season.
The Greek striker, 26, scored a ridiculous 26 goals in 30 games in 20-21 [Transfermarkt], despite playing for a side that was relegated from the Eredivisie.
Little wonder, then, that’s he’s attracted interest. Celtic were said to have agreed a deal with the Dutch side for the striker yesterday [Daily Record]. However, Boogers says it’s not a foregone conclusion.
The VVV-Venlo chief said [Sun]:
“Celtic and Werder Bremen have officially approached us. But there are more clubs now showing interest, so the game isn’t over yet.
“We expect even more clubs to be in touch.
“It must be a good deal for all parties. Everyone must benefit from it.
“Georgios must have the right feeling about the club and we do have a price in mind that must be put on the table.
“It is clear that after relegation and a year of Covid, our financial situation will not get any rosier.
“A transfer is not an absolute necessity, but it would be better for all parties if it happens.”
Celtic adding VVV-Venlo star Giakoumakis would be cherry on top of successful summer
Whatever the situation is with Odsonne Edouard, it’s obvious that under Ange Postecoglou, rotational pieces are going to be needed. And it’s hardly every year that the Eredivisie’s top scorer is available for just £2m.
Giakoumakis is in pretty elite company on the list of the Dutch top-flight’s most prolific scorers. Over recent years, the likes of Dusan Tadic, Memphis Depay and Luuk de Jong have held the distinction [Top Scorers Football].
So, no wonder there’s interest. Without disrespect to our competitors for Giakoumakis, though, we surely hold the most allure.
Werder Bremen, for example, were relegated after a long period of decline. Celtic can offer European football, playing a fluid, attacking side, and capacity crowds. The chance to compete for silverware ought to be an attraction, too.
As Boogers says though, it’s not over yet. There’s still plenty of time for another transfer saga to go awry.
But it’d be great business by Celtic if we could sign the Greek striker.
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