Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis has agreed to move to Serie A side Sampdoria, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
Speculation emerged last month regarding the forward’s future, suggesting the 28-year-old was poised for a surprise January exit.
Giakoumakis and Celtic have seen contract talks stall and Hoops officials have been looking for a potential replacement, with an offer recently tabled for Cho Gue-sung.
Sky Sports reporter Di Marzio shared a story on Wednesday evening regarding Giakoumakis, claiming that Sampdoria have an agreement with the player.
The Italian side still need to agree on terms with Celtic and a loan with an obligation to buy offer has been mooted.
TIF thoughts on Giakoumakis…
Ange Postecoglou lauded Giakoumakis as a ‘hugely important’ player for the Hoops last year, so his likely departure will come as a blow to Parkhead officials and the boss himself.
An exit seems best for all involved though after contract talks broke down, despite the player scoring 25 times in 56 games in all competitions in Glasgow.
Should a move to Sampdoria go through, it will be crucial that Celtic replace Giakoumakis, as Postecoglou will be left with Kyogo Furuhashi as the club’s only recognised centre-forward, as per Transfermarkt.
Cho could well be that man, although the Hoops face competition for the South Korea international’s services from Minnesota and Mainz.