If Jota does indeed complete his money-spinning move abroad to the footballing backwater that is the Middle East, it leaves us with a considerable void to fill in the squad, but more importantly, in the starting line-up. The Portuguese winger was a first pick when fit during the past two years he’s spent in Glasgow and the impact will be felt no doubt about it.
His creativity on the left-hand side of the field was essential to the way we played at times and providing a real source of inspiration against those tightly pact defences in the Scottish Premiership and both domestic cups. A real trickster and pleasure to watch strut his stuff in the green and white hoops, it will be sad to see him go but there will be an opportunity for somebody else to pick up the mantle the flamboyant wide-man has left behind.
Could that man be former Celtic loan star, Mohamed Elyounoussi?
The Norwegian was a hit when he joined the Hoops from Southampton on-loan during the summer transfer window of 2019, going on to have a real impact for us when we clinched Nine-in-a-row. Neil Lennon brought him back for a second season in Scottish football and although it wasn’t the outcome we wanted that particular year, Moi certainly was one of the brighter sparks that campaign. His performance against French side Lille away from home in the Europa League being a standout piece during his time at the club.
Released by the Saint Mary’s club and now on the market as a free agent, Moi will be looking for his next move and at 28, will be wanting to choose correctly. He’s had a steady, if unspectacular last couple of years in the English Premier League, and returning Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was interested in his services when he was still with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
So, it begs the question: would Rodgers consider a move at this point for the winger to help fill the Jota gap?
One thing that has been flagged up continuously the past while with Celtic is the lack of power in certain areas. The top half of the pitch is undoubtedly box office but we lack a physicality and with Jota not that type, you would have to say, Elyounoussi is more generally in that mould of player. Skillful too, his first-touch and ability to strike from distance would also be an asset that we would need moving forward. Combined with his running power and a move for our former loanee looks tempting.
Paul Gillespie
Matthew Marr’s outstanding debut Celtic book, The Bould Bhoys! “Glory to Their Name’ – The story of Celtic’s First League Title is currently available in the summer sale for just £11 plus postage from Celticstarbooks.com/shop
Definitely a downgrade on Jota
No thankyou.
Age28, released by a relegated club.
Best days behind him Ibelieve.
HailHail
Don’t be so naive, this is a rediculous suggestion and Mo was an average player at best in a poor side. Do your homework and produce better content.
Moi was a very bright spark with us and would be a great addition to the first team, plays with a smile on his face, fills that Jota gap with more physicality, has gained EPL experience and is on a free. Perfect opportunity for us to get a proven quality player in for European nights, not another project.