Chris Sutton has voiced concerns over Jota’s return to Celtic, questioning whether the Portuguese winger will be able to make an immediate impact after a difficult spell away from the club.

Jota, who left Celtic for £25 million to join Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia last summer, endured a frustrating twelve months before moving to Rennes. However, his time in France was also limited, with just three starts in his nine appearances to his name before sealing an £8 million return to Parkhead.

Speaking to Gambling Zone, Sutton admitted that while the deal makes sense from a financial perspective, he’s unsure if Jota is ready to hit the ground running.

“Jota going back. Jota who left for £25 million to Saudi, has gone to Rennes. The way that I think, in January you need players coming who don’t need time to get themselves up to speed. You need players coming in who are really going to kick the team on. I just worry about Jota. I think three starts for Rennes this season. I’m not doubting its good piece business, to sell him for £25m and get him for £8m.”

Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that Jota recaptures the form that made him a fan favourite during his first spell at the club, but as Sutton points out, Celtic need impact players now as they push for domestic and European success.

The manager didn’t get the chance to work with Jota, with the winger sealing the life-changing move to Saudi Arabia. After an honest phone call between the player and gaffer, they are both keen to work together at Celtic and pick up from where Jota left off.

A second Celtic debut could come against Motherwell for Jota.