McManus issues ‘big’ Giorgos Giakoumakis claim after ‘surprise’ Celtic development
Celtic will not miss Giorgos Giakoumakis after he secured a transfer away from the club.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Hoops’ latest departure.
On Wednesday (8 February), Celtic confirmed Giakoumakis, 28, had joined MLS side Atlanta United in a permanent deal.
The striker was linked with a move away from Parkhead throughout January with reports of a transfer to Japan’s J-League also prevalent.
McManus insists the Hoops are no weaker following Giakoumakis’ departure.
“There was a lot of interest in Giakoumakis, that’s the first thing to say,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“It seems like three or four teams have been really trying to sign him. It was a matter of time. The one thing I hope is that Celtic got a decent fee for him.
“There was plenty of time left on his contract because he wasn’t at the club long. He did well but it was clear that he wanted to go and get first-team football somewhere else. It came as a bit of a surprise at the start of the window but it makes sense now.
“In terms of options, I think Celtic will be fine, They signed a striker in January so there is your replacement and they already have a ridiculous amount of options going forward.
“Kyogo is on absolute fire at the moment and that’s before you get to Jota and Abada. Maeda is in a bit of form as well so I think Giakoumakis leaving is something the club can deal with.
“It always seemed like Kyogo was picked for the big games anyway, so as long as everyone stays fit Celtic won’t have a problem.
“Will he be a big miss? I don’t think so.”
In other news, a Glasgow pundit has made ‘incredible’ Callum McGregor claim after ‘huge’ Celtic development.