The Greek forward has fallen to the third option in Cruz Azul attack, behind Bogusz and Sepúlveda
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Giakoumakis signed for the Apertura 2024 for a fee of $10.5 millionHe has not been able to establish himself with Vicente Sánchez's teamThe forward has scored two goals in 10 matches of the Clausura 2025Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Giorgos Giakoumakis’ time at Cruz Azul may be nearing its end. The Greek striker has struggled to earn a regular role under Vicente Sánchez and is now reportedly drawing interest from Major League Soccer clubs – potentially paving the way for a return to the league following his previous stint with Atlanta United.
Giakoumakis became Cruz Azul’s first signing under then-head coach Martín Anselmi ahead of the Apertura 2024, brought in to compete with Ángel Sepúlveda and Gabriel Fernández and bolster the club’s attacking options.
According to a report from TUDN’s Adrián Esparza, a departure is now on the table. While Giakoumakis hasn’t quite met expectations at , his prior success in MLS hasn’t gone unnoticed. GiveMeSport’s Tom Bogert reports that multiple MLS clubs are interested in acquiring the forward.
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Giakoumakis, 30, joined Cruz Azul from Atlanta United in a deal reportedly worth around $10.5 million. Since arriving at , he has played 31 matches, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists across Liga MX, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and the Leagues Cup.
However, the Greek striker is currently going through a rough patch in the Clausura 2025. He has fallen behind Ángel Sepúlveda and former LAFC star Mateusz Bogusz in the attacking pecking order. Giakoumakis has only scored two goals in 10 appearances this tournament and hasn’t found the net since Matchday 5.
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
Giakoumakis has played in leagues across Greece, Poland, the Netherlands, Scotland, the United States, and now Mexico. His most prolific season came in the 2020-21 season with Dutch side VVV-Venlo, where he scored 29 goals in 33 matches – his only campaign with the club. He also posted strong numbers with Atlanta United, netting 24 goals in 43 appearances for the MLS team.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CRUZ AZUL?
Cruz Azul face an important clash this Saturday when they host Pumas on Matchday 14 of the Clausura 2025. At Pumas’ request, the match will be played at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla. Since Pumas agreed to let Cruz Azul use their stadium as a home venue this season, they asked for the game to be moved out of respect for their fans – wanting to avoid the unusual situation of having their supporters in the stands of the opposing team while being listed as the away side.
Under Vicente Sánchez, Cruz Azul currently sit in sixth place with 25 points, and a win tonight would bring them closer to the top spots in the table as they aim to qualify for the final phase and fight for the title.
After this match, they’ll have just a couple of days to rest before facing América again this Tuesday at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals. The aggregate score is currently tied 0-0.
