Celtic identify replacement if Jota leaves this summer

Jota’s Celtic future is one of the most interesting things surrounding Parkhead at the moment. The Portuguese winger had been one of the most highly-rated players in the world while coming through the youth ranks at Benfica but had struggled at the senior level. He has revitalised his career since moving to Parkhead in the summer on a season-long loan though.

Naturally, that has opened up a lot of opportunities for him. It is possible that he could return to his boyhood club when his loan deal comes to an end. On the other hand, there is expected to be interest from other clubs as well.

As a result, even though Celtic have an option to buy included in the loan deal, Jota’s Parkhead future is pretty much up in the air and the Hoops appear to have an alternative target as well, in case the Portuguese winger ends up departing.

As reported by Daily Mail (via Daily Record), Celtic have identified Bodo/Glimt’s Ola Solbakken as an alternative for Jota.

Celtic identify Solbakken as alternative in case Jota leaves

Postecoglou will know first hand what Solbakken is capable of as he was brilliant against Celtic when the two sides met in the UEFA Europa Conference League earlier this season, a tie that Bodo/Glimt won convincingly.

Thus, if Celtic are able to sign a player of his quality, it would be considered as a major coup on their part. His current deal with the Norwegian champions is believed to be set to run out at the end of the year.

But, the primary focus has to be on agreeing a permanent move for Jota, who has already proven that he can get it done at Parkhead and in the Scottish league, even if his recent form might not have been as great as earlier on in the season.

Ultimately, it might all come down to what Jota wants to do, whether it is staying at Celtic, returning to Benfica or trying his hand at a different club.