Atlético-MG’s attempt to sign Giorgos Giakoumakis came to an unsuccessful end. Even after presenting a proposal considered quite advantageous and advancing in conversations with Cruz Azul, the club that holds the striker’s economic rights, Galo saw the deal fall apart at the will of the player himself, who showed no interest in playing in Brazilian football.
The Minas Gerais club offered around US$6.5 million (R$35 million), a figure that pleased the Mexican directors and would be enough to seal the agreement, as long as the athlete’s consent was obtained. However, Giakoumakis’ green light was never given, which led to the termination of negotiations.
Currently 30 years old, the Greek striker plays for PAOK, in Greece, on loan. The bond provides for the possibility of release in the event of financial compensation, a scenario that has been evaluated, but which will not move forward in the case of Atlético-MG.
MORE: Flamengo reinforcements for 2026: signings, departures and negotiations in the market
Who is Giakoumakis?
Giorgos Giakoumakis is a Greek striker, born on December 9, 1994, who stands out for his physical size, strength in the area and eye for goal. Revealed by Platanias, from Greece, he gained prominence in European football by becoming top scorer in the Dutch Championship in the 2020/21 season, defending VVV-Venlo, despite playing for a team with less investment.
His good performance took him to Celtic, in Scotland, where he experienced one of the best moments of his career. With the Glasgow club, Giakoumakis won national titles and was an important player in the Scottish title campaign, alternating between starting and playing a decisive role off the bench, always with a high rate of goals per minute on the field.
Afterwards, the striker went to football in North America, playing for Atlanta United, in MLS, before moving to Cruz Azul, in Mexico. In 2025, he returned to Greece to play for PAOK on loan. At 30 years old, Giakoumakis is seen as an experienced center forward, strong in the air, efficient in the area and with a classic number 9 profile.
Greek Giorgios Giakoumakis will not be an Atlético-MG player.
Galo’s proposal of US$6.5 million pleased Cruz Azul, who were willing to accept, but the center forward has no interest in playing in Brazilian football.
🗞️ @CLMerlo | @UOLEsporte pic.twitter.com/oB65beOcdy
— Futmais | Fut Boy (@futtmais) December 30, 2025
