Cruz Azul finalizes deal to sign Giorgos Giakoumakis from Atlanta United: sources

Cruz Azul is finalizing a deal to sign Greek international striker Giorgos Giakoumakis from Atlanta United, sources with knowledge of the deal said.

The deal, which is still in the final stages, will be worth $10 million, sources said.

Atlanta originally signed Giakoumakis last winter from Celtic for $4 million. He has been one of MLS’s elite scorers since his arrival, with 24 goals and five assists in 39 league and playoff appearances (2,748 minutes).

Giakoumakis did not start in Atlanta United’s 3-2 home loss to Charlotte on Sunday, but he came on in the 62nd minute. After the match, he refused to speak to reporters.

Cruz Azul just lost in the Liga MX Clausura final on Sunday and had made Giakoumakis a priority target for the summer. Their next competitive matches will be the League Cup in July against Philadelphia Union and Charlotte FC.

Giakoumakis’ departure will almost certainly see Atlanta return to the market this summer for a center forward. The club can use a designated player spot to replace Giakoumakis. Atlanta is among the biggest spending clubs in MLS and is responsible for the three highest transfer fees in league history.

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