Giorgos Giakoumakis, 30, has fallen down the ranks at Cruz Azul as interest grows to take the Greek international away from Mexico.
Signing from Atlanta United last summer, Giakoumakis became one of the highest-paid players in the league. He was brought to the club by Martín Anselmi, as fans had high hopes given the striker's record in the MLS, where he found the back of the net 22 times in 38 matches, but he has struggled to hit the same heights south of the border.
In twelve months, the former Celtic and AEK Athens forward has scored nine times in 34 appearances and has fallen down the pecking order to 34-year-old Angel Sepúlveda, who was the Concacaf Champions Cup top goalscorer and awarded best player of the competition, all whilst helping the side lift the trophy.
Hopes of a fresh start were reignited this summer with the arrival of new manager Nicolás Larcamón. However, the Argentine has completely sidelined Giakoumakis, who has been left out of every matchday squad so far, with no reports indicating any injury.
Overnight, reports surfaced that Greek Super League side PAOK Thessaloniki is interested in Giakoumakis and would like to bring him back to the highest level in Greek football since his loan spell with OFI Crete in 2019.
César Luis Merlo adds that the Greek side is considering a one-year loan, whilst La Máquina would prefer to sell the player on a permanent basis.
Is this a good move for Giorgos Giakoumakis and Cruz Azul? Let us know what you think!