Atlanta United transfer superstar Giorgis Giakoumakis to Cruz Azul in Liga MX

Atlanta United announced that the transfer was official Sunday afternoon, with Giakoumakis heading south of the border for a reported fee of $10m.

By departing, he opens both an international and Designated Player slot for the Eastern Conference side.

The Greek forward scored 24 goals and notched seven assists in 43 matches across all competitions for Atlanta. He joined the Five Stripes in February 2023 from Scotland's Celtic FC, eventually earning All-Star, Best XI and Newcomer of the Year honors.

He even beat Lionel Messi to the latter award, with the Argentine missing out on the accolade.

“We’re grateful for Giorgos’ contributions during his time at the club and we wish him the best moving forward,” Atlanta VP and technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a release. “This transfer illustrates the nature of operating in a global marketplace. With a lot of season left to play, we plan to strengthen the group during the upcoming summer transfer window.”

Giakoumakis could debut for the Liga MX side this summer ahead of the Leagues Cup, where they will face Charlotte FC and the Philadelphia Union. Cruz Azul are back in action on July 6, in the Apertura Round 1.