Celtic did not make too many additions in the winter transfer window and were heavily criticised by the fans as a result. But one player that they did bring in was Jota. The Portuguese winger was a very popular figure during his first stint in Glasgow before leaving for Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 in a then Scottish record move.
It did not take him long to realise that the grass was not greener on the other side though. Jota did not feature much during his time at Al-Ittihad.
Jota would go on to join Rennes in the summer. But his spell in France was not much better either and even shorter.
Finally, merely 18 months after leaving the club, Jota completed a return to Celtic Park in the winter. And while he might have struggled at other clubs, he is not showing any signs of a loss of quality since pulling on the Hoops once again.
Celtic boss makes bold Jota claim before Bayern Munich second leg
Jota had scored on his second debut for Celtic away against Motherwell. He added to his tally against Dundee United this weekend.
And Brendan Rodgers has not ruled out the possibility of him potentially starting in the second leg against Bayern Munich in midweek. As reported by The Herald, the Celtic manager said:
"He may do.
“He’s shown his level since he’s come back in, it’s just a fitness thing really. That’s why we’re managing him through those moments, so today was another chance for him to get some minutes.
“I thought him and Jeff (Schlupp) combined really well on that side, so he’s getting there."
It is safe to say that Jota is doing a great job at Celtic already. And even more exciting is the fact that he does not seem to be anywhere near up to full speed yet. So, fans will be expecting him to get even better over the coming months as he regains his rhythm and fitness.
Celtic might not have made too many good decisions in the winter window. But the one to bring back Jota was the correct one.