Godwin ObajeGiorgos Giakoumakis: A Celtic Return on the Horizon?
Giorgos Giakoumakis, the Greek striker whose tenure at Celtic was marked by both triumph and turmoil, has recently expressed a strong desire to return to the club he once called home. Despite his departure in 2023, the 30-year-old remains deeply connected to Celtic and its supporters.
A Brief Stint with Celtic
Giakoumakis joined Celtic in 2021 during Ange Postecoglou’s early days at the helm. Arriving from Dutch side VVV-Venlo, he had been the Eredivisie’s top scorer, yet his initial period at Celtic was hindered by injuries and limited playing time, with Kyogo Furuhashi often preferred as the central striker. Nevertheless, Giakoumakis made a significant impact, notably scoring a perfect hat-trick against Dundee in February 2022, a goal that proved pivotal in Celtic’s title race.
Over 18 months, Giakoumakis netted 26 goals in 57 appearances for Celtic, ending his debut season as the joint top scorer in the Scottish Premiership. However, despite his impressive statistics, he found himself frequently on the bench, leading to frustrations and ultimately a desire to leave.
Departure and Subsequent Moves
In February 2023, Giakoumakis transferred to Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United for a reported £4.3 million. During his time in the U.S., he continued his goal-scoring form, earning accolades such as the 2023 MLS Newcomer of the Year and a spot in the MLS Best XI. His success in MLS was followed by a move to Mexican club Cruz Azul, where he has since faced challenges adapting to Liga MX’s pace and style.
Desire for a Celtic Return
Despite his current commitments, Giakoumakis has openly expressed his longing to return to Celtic. In a recent interview, he stated, “You want to set the fire? I would love to play for Celtic again. I don’t know if that’s a utopia or if it could happen again – but who wouldn’t?” He further emphasized the deep connection he feels, saying, “Even if you don’t know what it feels like to be there, when you’ve already been there, you know exactly what it means.”
Challenges and Considerations
While Giakoumakis’ desire to return is evident, several factors complicate the possibility. His current contract with Cruz Azul and the club’s reported interest in potentially moving him due to inconsistent performances and injuries could influence his availability. Additionally, Celtic’s current squad dynamics and managerial plans would need to align with Giakoumakis’ return.
Conclusion
Giorgos Giakoumakis’ potential return to Celtic is a topic of considerable interest among fans and pundits alike. His previous contributions to the club and his expressed desire to rejoin the team suggest that, should the circumstances align, a reunion could be mutually beneficial. As the football landscape continually evolves, only time will tell if this chapter in Giakoumakis’ career will come full circle.
Godwin Obaje
