Just six months after his high-profile transfer to Stade Rennais, former Celtic star Jota could be on the move once more.
French outlet L’Équipe reports that the Portuguese winger, who joined the Ligue 1 club from Al-Ittihad last summer, may be allowed to leave during the upcoming January transfer window.
Jota’s move to Rennes was intended to reignite his career following a disappointing stint in Saudi Arabia. Signed for €8 million after a difficult spell at Al-Ittihad, expectations were high for the 25-year-old to rediscover the form that made him such a fan favourite at Celtic Park. However, he has found it tough to make a consistent impact in Ligue 1, managing only one goal in nine appearances this season.
Rennes’ squad depth, particularly in positions around the attack, has made competition fierce, leaving Jota struggling to secure regular minutes.
The report suggests the club is open to offers for the player, with nothing off the table if a suitable opportunity arises.
This latest development marks another twist in what has been a turbulent year for Jota. After an impressive two seasons at Celtic, where he scored 28 goals and provided 26 assists in 83 appearances, the winger made a surprising £25 million move to Al-Ittihad in July 2023. However, his time in Saudi Arabia was marred by a lack of game time, leading to his swift departure for Rennes.
Despite his undeniable talent, Jota has struggled to find stability since leaving Glasgow.
His brief and unsettled stints at both Al-Ittihad and Rennes suggest that a fresh start may be necessary for the winger to rediscover his confidence and form.
Inevitably, speculation is rife about a possible return to Celtic, where Jota enjoyed the best period of his career. But let’s be honest with ourselves, it’s extremely unlikely that Jota will be making a Celtic return anytime soon, if ever.
