Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has discussed Jota’s reported return to the Hoops, with the Irishman expressing his delight at the possibility of working alongside the Portuguese winger once again.
Jota departed Celtic in the summer of 2023 for Al-Ittihad in a £25 million move, just as Brendan Rodgers returned to the club. At the time, it was viewed as a significant ‘what if’, leaving fans wondering how well the pair might have worked together.
However, it now appears the Portuguese winger may get the chance to link up with the Irishman, with reports of a potential Celtic return gaining momentum in recent days.
Jota looks set to return to Celtic for €10 million, with a 10% sell-on clause to Rennes. The fact that Celtic are bringing back a 25-year-old winger entering his peak years in the green and white hoops is a significant boost.
After a challenging period, including a failed move to the Saudi Pro League that left him frozen out and a disappointing six months in France under Jorge Sampaoli, Jota will return to Celtic with something to prove.
Rodgers is understandably delighted by the potential move and how it would enhance both the quality and depth of the squad. However, he cautioned supporters not to get overly excited until the move is fully completed.
Rodgers said: (Daily Record), “It’s not finalised yet. But a player who clearly would be an incredible addition to our squad given what he’s done here before and his qualities. Hopefully we can complete that in the next 24 hours.”
Storm Eowyn has not only disrupted travel for many people on their way to work today but has also delayed the potential signing of Jota. The Rennes winger is unlikely to travel to Glasgow to finalise the deal until the storm has passed, making it a slow 24 hours for Celtic supporters.
However, when Jota does eventually sign on the dotted line, it will represent one of the biggest returns to Celtic in recent years. With Kieran Tierney also set to rejoin over the next six months, this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting periods in the club’s history.
