Former Celtic star Jota may become available again in January, according to a report from leading French outlet L’Equipe…
Just four months on from signing for Ligue 1 club Rennes for €10 million after a dismal spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad, Jota looks like he will be on the move once more ahead of the January transfer window opening in less than two weeks away.
As reported by L’Equipe, the French outlet state that competition within the attacking ranks of Rennes is strong, and ‘Les Rogues et Noirs’ will listen to offers for Jota in January.
The 25 year-old winger has failed to kick-on following his successful spell in Glasgow’s East End which seen the Portuguese attacker score 28 goals, providing 26 assists in 83 appearances over those two iconic seasons under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou.
Subsequently, Jota was sold to Nuno Espirto Santo’s former employers Al-Ittihad for a staggering transfer fee of £25 million in July 2023. Experiencing similar issues like he has done at his new home in Britany, the ex-Celtic hero registered sparse appearances during his short-lived period in Saudi Arabia.
With reports that Kieran Tierney could be making a sensational return to his boyhood club in January, speculation will arise that Jota could be the next to make a switch back to Celtic.
Factoring in wages and transfer fees, the deal itself would be extremely tough to agree, but if there is a willingness from all parties — stranger things have happened.
Yesterday Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that veteran winger James Forrest picked up an injury in the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden last Sunday and will now be out for at least six weeks. Luis Palma is also attracting interest from the MLS ahead of the January window opening.
With Jota’s future uncertain in France, and Celtic clearly in the market for a winger in the upcoming transfer window, it is most definitely one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.
Celtic sold Kieran Tierney and Jota for £50million and could bring both back to the club for around 10% of that total. Both players would certainly add to the squad’s depth and quality and would provide a massive boost for the supporters.
Conor Spence
Celtic in the Thirties
