Jota has enjoyed a magnificent start to life at Celtic. When the Portuguese winger arrived in the summer from Benfica on a season-long loan, nobody could have expected him to adjust as quickly to Scottish football as he has. He has been nothing short of magnificent and there are already calls to sign him on a permanent basis.
Celtic have an option to buy included in the deal which is believed to be around £6.5 million. And while taking that option would automatically make him one of the most expensive signings in the history of the club, on current form it is almost a no brainer.
Jota found the back of the net twice against Dundee FC and also set up another, in what was another great performance from the Portuguese youngster, who has already become one of the most important parts of Ange Postecoglou’s team.
And speaking after the match, Postecoglou said that Celtic would be happy to keep him. While speaking with BBC Radio Scotland and as reported by the Daily Record, the manager said:
"“If he feels that this is the place for his future we’d be more than happy to keep him here but he’s got a pretty good head on his shoulders and he knows that the best way forward for him is to keep playing his football and the rest will take care of itself.”"
Celtic would be happy to keep Jota at Parkhead
Postecoglou’s comment does suggest that Celtic are open to taking the option to buy included in Jota’s loan deal. And that is a very positive update.
Ultimately, it might all come down to the player though and whether he wants to continue playing for Celtic or not.
It must be said that this is the first time in his career that he is playing regular first-team football, after failing to establish himself in the Benfica first-team and on loan at Real Valladolid, and doing magnificently to be honest.
Still only 22 years of age, Celtic might be the best place for Jota right now. He is playing regular football here and has already settled into the first-team. Even if he wants to play in one of the top five European leagues eventually, a stint at Parkhead will only help him in that regard.