Benfica manager gives Celtic massive Jota transfer boost

After winning the Premiership title back from the Rangers, Celtic are now guaranteed to take part in the UEFA Champions League group stage next season. The club will be returning to Europe’s elite competition after several years and it is expected to be a special occasion to say the least. Thus, one would expect them to strengthen the squad accordingly, so that they can compete on big European nights.

One of the first things on Ange Postecoglou’s summer wish list has to be to sign Jota on a permanent basis.

The Portuguese winger has been brilliant ever since joining Celtic last summer from Benfica on a season-long loan deal. Jota had struggled at the senior level before that and as a result, there were some question marks about whether he was the right man to bring in. It is safe to say that those have been answered by now.

Celtic are believed to have an option to buy of a transfer fee around €7.5 million included in the loan deal and now, it appears that they have been handed a Jota transfer boost by the Benfica manager.

Benfica manager hands Celtic a transfer boost in the race to sign Jota

As reported by The Athletic (via 67 Hail Hail), Benfica manager Roger Schmidt does not see Jota in his plans.

Thus, that appears to have made Celtic’s path to signing Jota on a permanent basis much easier. Otherwise, a chance to return to his boyhood club to play regularly might have been tempting for the Portuguese winger.

It is believed that Jota feels that joining Celtic will be the right move for his career at this point of time. As a result, it looks like the Hoops are very much in the driver’s seat in the transfer race for his signature.

At this point of time, unless something unexpected happens, expect to see Jota in a Celtic jersey next season, playing in the Champions League.