Celtic have managed to sign Jota on a permanent basis from Benfica this summer. The move did drag on for much longer than most fans would have anticipated and led to some worries, but ultimately, it has gotten over the line. The Portuguese winger has signed for the Hoops on a five-year deal, in what is a massive boost for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
He enjoyed a spectacular loan spell from Benfica last season, establishing himself as a regular starter in Postecoglou’s side and played a key role in their unexpected double win.
Celtic did have an option to buy included in the loan deal for Jota of a transfer fee around £6.4 million and they have triggered it, bringing him to Parkhead on a permanent basis. The only question was about whether the player himself would want to join the club on a long-term deal and he seems to have been happy to do that.
It appears that Benfica regret having set the option to buy at that figure. Anthony Joseph tweeted out regarding the situation:
Been told by one source that there’s a lot of regret at Benfica for allowing an option-to-buy clause, for so cheap, on Jota’s loan last season. Another buying club would’ve had to pay a lot more this summer. That’s why they’ve got a 30% sell-on in the deal - they wanted more.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) July 1, 2022
Sky Sports man makes sensational Jota to Celtic behind the scenes reveal
According to stats from Transfermarkt, Jota scored 13 goals and provided 14 assists in 40 appearances for Celtic across all competitions last season.
While he did have a rough patch for a few months in the second half of the season, he did come into his own once again in the post-split fixtures and on top of his game, he was arguably the best player in all of Scotland.
Jota brings something to the table that very few others in the Celtic squad do. He has the ability to conjure up something out of nothing and it is important to have a player like that in the team.
Celtic have done a wonderful job, signing him on a permanent basis, and one can only hope that he continues to make a positive contribution to the Hoops for years to come. At 23 years of age, the Portuguese winger is not even close to hitting his prime.