Celtic have signed Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis from Dutch side VVV-Venlo on a five-year deal.
The 26-year-old was the top goalscorer in the Eredivisie last season scoring 26 goals. He will replace French striker Odsonne Edouard who is close to completing a £15 million move to Crystal Palace.
Celtic Sign Striker Giorgos Giakoumakis
Lowdown on Giorgos Giakoumakis
Greek striker Giakoumakis had a stellar campaign last season with VVV-Venlo in Holland’s top flight. He scored an incredible 26 goals in 30 league games. This despite being part of a team that got relegated last season.
When he scored his tenth goal across January earlier this year, it was the highest number of goals scored by any player since the legendary Marco Van Basten’s 12 goal haul in 1985.
The 6’1″ striker made his international debut last November and has made six appearances for Greece scoring once. He has club experience in Poland and in Greece. However, it was with VVV-Venlo where he has excelled.
He said: “I’m really delighted to commit my long-term future to Celtic and I can’t wait to get started with my new teammates.
“Celtic is one of the world’s great football clubs with the best fans around. It is a Club I have admired for so long and it will now be an honour to wear this famous jersey. To know that the manager wanted me so much to join Celtic is really humbling and it makes me know I have made the right choice.
“We have some exciting challenges this season in Scotland and in Europe and I will be doing all I can to help the team as much as possible and bring our supporters success.”
Celtic Continue Rebuild
The signing of Giorgos Giakoumakis was Celtic’s tenth signing of the summer. The striker may not be a like-for-like replacement for the outgoing Odsonne Edouard but given his goalscoring record with VVV-Venlo, he appears to be a natural finisher.
It will also provide Celtic with depth up front. However, it will be interesting to see how Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou fits Giakoumakis into his system.
Japanese striker Kyogo Furuhashi has been a revelation since coming into the club. But hasn’t been as effective out on the left-wing, which was shown in the recent Old Firm derby defeat.
With the high intensity that Postecoglou wants his team to play, Giakoumakis will be a good option to have to give Kyogo a rest from time to time.
Meanwhile, Celtic are also on the verge of signing Filipe Jota from Benfica on loan with an option to buy. Also, they are still looking for a central defender, however, that is looking unlikely.
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