When Celtic moved to bring Jota back to Glasgow in January, it was more than a nod to nostalgia—it was a calculated decision with an eye firmly on the future.
The Portuguese winger, who lit up the Premiership during his first spell, returned with obvious rust from a challenging stint in Saudi Arabia and an even briefer spell at Rennes.
Out of favour and out of rhythm, Jota landed in Glasgow needing more than just minutes—he needed a rebuild. The time away from consistent football had left its mark, both in terms of cardio sharpness and physical presence.
But Celtic knew what they were getting, and more importantly, what they could get again with patience and proper conditioning. Some of his performances have not been near the level of what he is capable of and that is understandable.
Fast forward to April, and it’s clear the work is paying off. Jota’s silhouette is changing—stronger, sharper. He may not yet be hitting the heights of his previous campaign, but the signs are there.
His recent contributions, often from the bench, show he’s on the right track. And with each appearance, he edges closer to the player fans remember: electric on the ball, intelligent in the final third, and capable of producing moments that swing games.
One such moment came at Hampden against St Johnstone. Introduced in the second half, Jota seized the spotlight with a sublime strike from a tight angle, reminding everyone of his quality. It wasn’t just a goal; it was a statement of intent.
As this season rounds off and eyes turn to the next, the prospect of a fully fit, fully firing Jota should excite every Celtic supporter. The club didn’t just bring back a familiar face—they invested in a game-changer. With a full pre-season under his belt, the Jota of old could well become the Jota of tomorrow.
