Paok Make Official Move For Giakoumakis As Talks With Cruz Azul Continue

PAOK have submitted an official offer to Cruz Azul in hopes of securing Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis on loan, with discussions actively progressing between the two clubs.

WHAT HAPPENED?

PAOK have formally approached Cruz Azul with a bid to land Giorgos Giakoumakis on a one-year loan, including an option to purchase for €4.5 million that is not mandatory. The 30-year-old striker is reportedly eager to return to Greece after a difficult season in Mexico. Negotiations are moving forward, with PAOK looking to finalize the deal in time to register the forward for their upcoming European matches against Wolfsberger. Giakoumakis is under contract with Cruz Azul until 2028, and the Mexican club values him at around €7 million. Interest from Middle Eastern side Al Ahli has also been reported, but PAOK are the front-runners at this stage.

GIAKOUMAKIS’ TIME AT CRUZ AZUL

The Greek international joined Cruz Azul from Atlanta United in a major transfer last year, but struggled to consistently deliver top performances. He scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 36 matches for the club, helping Cruz Azul lift the Concacaf Champions League. While his contributions were important, his overall impact did not fully meet the high expectations set by fans and the club. As of now, Cruz Azul occupy 6th place in Liga MX, trailing league leaders América by 7 points. Giakoumakis has been in and out of the starting lineup during the current season.

WHAT NEXT FOR PAOK AND CRUZ AZUL?

PAOK are racing to complete the transfer to include Giakoumakis in their squad list for their next key encounter in European qualifying against Wolfsberger, who lost their Austrian Bundesliga opener last weekend against Altach. PAOK themselves finished 3rd in the Greek Super League last seaosn, just 1 points behind second-placed Panathinaikos. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, must plan for the rest of the season without Giakoumakis if he departs, and will be looking for reinforcements as they aim to challenge for a higher Liga MX playoff spot with the season entering a crucial stretch. Both clubs’ next matches could define their momentum for the upcoming months.