John Hartson played for Celtic for six very successful seasons. Thus, he knows exactly what it takes to succeed at Parkhead and it looks like the Welshman would like to see one former player make a return to Glasgow. Considering the circumstances, it is unlikely but not impossible by any means.
Celtic are heading towards an interesting January transfer window. Judging by all the noise around the club, it feels like they will be active in the winter, both in terms of outgoings and incomings.
Celtic have been linked with a potential move to bring back Jota in January. It was just this summer that the Portuguese winger left, after two tremendous seasons in the Hoops, to join Al-Ittihad in a £25 million move.
It would be an understatement to say things have not worked out for Jota at Al-Ittihad. He seems to be completely out of the plans there. And even though Marcelo Gallardo has replaced Nuno Espirito Santo as manager recently, it looks like the Portuguese winger is expected to be heading out, either permanently or on loan.
John Hartson urges Celtic to bring back former player
As reported by TBR Football, Hartson said on The Go Radio Football Show:
"“Well, I think that supporters would definitely like to see it happening it’s just whether the club can structure the deal.“Let’s not forget how good he was under Ange. We got him on loan from Benfica as a young lad. Not very not much experience not many first-team appearances for Benfica and he came into the club and he was absolutely terrific.“Personally, I can’t see it happening but if there’s a deal there and the clubs get together and Jota wants to come back and the club wants him to come back.”"
Considering the circumstances, it feels unlikely that Jota would return to Celtic in January. His wages could be a problem and he has been linked with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United as well.
That being said, if it is only a short-term loan deal, perhaps going to Celtic makes more sense for Jota than any other club. He already knows what to expect at Parkhead and is a proven success in Scotland.
Also, it would give Jota the chance to rebuild his reputation. Another failed move somewhere after how things have turned out at Al-Ittihad is not what the superstar from Portugal needs.