Giorgos Giakoumakis life after Celtic visa nightmare set to end as Atlanta pencil in MLS debut date

Giorgos Giakoumakis could make his MLS debut this weekend as the striker gets the necessary paperwork completed following his move from Celtic.

The Greek striker left Ange Postecoglou's champions following 18 months in the Premiership last month after his exit was teased all the way throughout January. But he missed his chance to debut last weekend as Atlanta United won 2-1 against San Jose Earthquakes in their MLS opener due to his visa not being approved.

He had been out of America prior to that but has now jetted in for potential selection for a first look at his new home fans. A statement reads: "Get ready, 17s. The Giorgos Giakoumakis era at Atlanta United is about to begin. The striker’s P-1 visa was approved, as of Friday morning, allowing the Greek international to be available for selection in the club’s upcoming match on Saturday, March 4 against Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Giakoumakis returned to Atlanta on Thursday and will join training on Friday."

Manager Gonzalo Pineda had said on Thursday: "We are hopeful that we may have some good news. He is out of the country, we need to see how the travel is, how he feels in general and we make a decision from there."

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