Celtic star reveals what he told Jota about signing permanent deal

With the season now over, Celtic’s attention must turn towards the upcoming summer transfer window. The work behind the scenes never stops and there is a need to strengthen the squad, with Champions League football returning to Parkhead after several years. One of the Hoops’ biggest targets has to be signing Jota on a permanent basis from Benfica after his loan spell was an enormous success.

When the club signed Jota, a lot of eyebrows were raised. He was coming in as the replacement for Mohamed Elyounoussi, who had returned to Southampton after spending a couple of seasons on loan at Celtic. The Portuguese winger was very highly rated while coming through the youth ranks but had not done much at the senior level.

He has completely turned his career around since arriving at Parkhead though. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has scored 13 goals and provided 14 assists for Celtic in 40 appearances.

Celtic are believed to have an option to buy in the loan deal of a transfer fee around €7.5 million. It could ultimately depend on what Jota wants to do though. But it looks like some of his Celtic teammates have been trying to convince him to stay.

Celtic star reveals what he told Jota about signing permanent deal

Giorgos Giakoumakis appears to be someone who wishes to continue sharing a dressing room with Jota at Parkhead. As reported by The Scotsman, the Greek striker revealed:

"“I have told him.”When we were out on the pitch celebrating I said: ‘I wish you to stay here because we really need you’.”"

Both Jota and Giakoumakis have been key parts of Celtic’s success this season and one will hope that we can continue seeing them playing together moving forward as well.

All the recent rumours appear to suggest that Jota is leaning towards joining Celtic on a permanent basis this summer and the club are believed to be ready to match the option to buy as well.

Nothing is set in stone yet and it would be best to take all rumours with a pinch of salt, but the signs definitely seem to be pointing in a positive direction when it comes to Celtic’s chances of signing Jota on a permanent basis. Hopefully, the club will find a way to complete a deal for the Portuguese winger as soon as possible and then move their attention towards other transfer targets.