Giorgos Giakoumakis has been linked with a number of clubs throughout January after it was claimed he failed to secure the improved personal terms he wanted from Celtic.

Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds have reportedly agreed a fee of about £3million with Celtic but Major League Soccer side Atlanta are still trying to sign the Greece international.

Reports in Japan have claimed Urawa are likely to sign the 28-year-old although personal terms have still to be finalised.

Here our Glasgow Times Sport writers assess whether a £3million transfer is good or bad business from Celtic...

Aidan Smith

Giorgos Giakoumakis is arguably a better No.9 striker than Kyogo Furuhashi. His all-around, almost old-fashioned style of strike play is something that his Japanese counterpart doesn’t offer. With this in mind, Celtic will miss this if the Greek frontman is to depart Parkhead this January.

You would imagine if Ange Postecoglou could have it his way he would want Giakoumakis to stay, but his inconsistent run of game time appears to have the 28-year-old set on a move away from Glasgow.

Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds and MLS outfit Atlanta appear to be the main suitors for the striker and if reported fees can be believed, it looks like they could be doing some impressive transfer business. £3million has been reported and for a player of Giakoumakis’ quality, that is the definition of value for money.

I would be shocked and surprised if Celtic do part with their striker for this fee, given his impressive numbers to game statistics and given that he was brought to the club for a fee of £2.5million. £500,000 seems like little profit for a player for Giakoumakis’ ability, but for a second-choice striker, maybe it is good business by the Scottish champions. It will all depend if they can replace Greek star with someone of similar or better ability.

David Irvine

Ange Postecoglou hasn't made many mistakes as Celtic manager - and certainly not with his transfer business.

With that in mind, it's difficult to think he'd allow Giorgos Giakoumakis to leave Parkhead without good reason.

Be that the player being somewhat unsettled or a new signing in the offing. Postecoglou has often responded to transfer queries insisting he only wants players at the club who want to be there.

If Giakoumakis would rather head elsewhere, Postecoglou wouldn't be begging him to stay - even if the striker is a valuable contributor at Parkhead.

The reported £3m fee would be a steal for a player of Giakoumakis' quality, especially with years left on his current terms at Celtic.

But it could be a piece of business worth missing out on a few extra quid if it ensures no disharmony or discontent at the club - not that there has been any sign of a shift in attitude from the striker.

Sure, Celtic would have expected a little more return on investment, but if Giakoumakis views his future outside of Glasgow then they're as well getting the deal done and quickly shifting focus to potential new recruits.

Ewan Paton

If the reported figure is to be believed, then it seems like an unusually low fee to receive for a player who has delivered so much in a Celtic jersey.  

The Greek international joined the Hoops for around £2.5million only 18-months-ago.  

During that time he has scored 26 goals in 57 appearances, also notching two assists for his teammates. 

It’s worth noting that for a sizable period of his time in Glasgow’s east end, Giakoumakis has played second-fiddle to Kyogo.  

There’s no denying that the 28-year-old has been an inspired signing for the club after arriving from VVV-Venlo in The Netherlands. 

For the reasons outlined above, I think it’s poor business by Celtic to only receive £3million up-front for the lethal hitman.  

His goal tally is very close to the one-in-two games mark. For his value to only have increased by £500,000 since the summer of 2021 seems way off – especially in today’s financial landscape with football. 

Even at the weekend, Giakoumakis proved how good he can be and highlighted his desire for more game time.  

Fair enough if that can’t come at Celtic, particularly given he is seeking a greater wage.  

But surely Celtic should’ve been pushing for a larger fee than the one that has seemingly been accepted?  

He’s still very much in his prime and will offer a lot to the J-League.  

Everyone of a green and white persuasion will undoubtedly thank him for his services and wish him well.  

I don’t think many will argue that Celtic should’ve been doing so with at least another £2million in the back pocket.