Soccer Football - Scottish League Cup - Semi Final - Celtic v Kilmarnock - Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - January 14, 2023 Celtic's Georgios Giakoumakis scores their second goal past Kilmarnock's Sam Walker REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Giorgos Giakoumakis was back in training today as Celtic prepared for the Scottish Cup tie at home to Morton.
The striker has been the subject of transfer speculation over the last six weeks on the back of a story that talks over a new improved contract had broken down.
Giakoumakis came off the bench at Hampden last Saturday to score a stoppage time goal against Kilmarnock but tongues started wagging when he wasn’t included in the 20 man squad for Wednesday’s 4-0 win over St Mirren.
Fabrizio Romano claimed that a deal had been agreed between Celtic and J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds but Ange Postecoglou brushed aside transfer claims by revealing that the Greek striker had suffered a knock against Kilmarnock.
Responding to questions about Giakoumakis after the St Mirren match, Postecoglou told the Daily Record:
I see no reason why not. I just deal with what is in front of me, and until I’m told otherwise or something significant happens. He was here tonight mate, so you could have asked him yourself! He’s still very much part of our set-up, I’m not playing ducks and drakes. He would have been involved if he wasn’t injured.
Giakoumakis and Carter-Vickers pulled up sore from the weekend. At a stretch, Giako might be available for Saturday. Cam probably will be, but we’ll probably still rest him for Saturday even though it’s nothing significant. Alexandro Bernabei, I just thought I’d rest him tonight because he’s had two big games. He’ll be back in on Saturday
At lunchtime today the CELTIC website published training ground pictures with Giakoumakis taking part, Carter-Vickers looks to have been spared from the cold. Oliver Abildgaard was also spotted in training.
Urawa Red Diamonds have reached an agreement with Celtic for transfer of Gi?rgos Giakoumak?s. Understand it’s €4m package. ????? #transfers
MLS side Atlanta still trying to sign the player — while personal terms are still under discussion with Urawa. pic.twitter.com/VsCtH2xKbC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 16, 2023
Years left on his contract.