Celtic have had an interesting day of transfer business to say the least, mixed with news both good and both. On one hand, the club announced the signing of Jota from Rennes on a five-and-a-half year contract. But on the other hand, the Hoops also confirmed the departure of Kyogo to the same French side.
Of course, neither move came as a surprise. They had been in the pipeline for at least a few days before the official announcements were made.
Both Kyogo and Jota had joined Celtic in the summer of 2021. And in their two seasons playing under the management of Ange Postecoglou, both enjoyed immense success on the pitch and appeared to share a friendship as well.
Unfortunately, despite Jota returning, we won't get to see the two play together as a result of Kyogo's exit. Unfortunately, that is the cyclic nature of football. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, the Portuguese winger said to Sky Sports News:
"Kyogo is someone that I have a very good relationship with on the pitch.
“This is football (on Kyogo leaving as he returns). Everything changes from one moment to another.
“I wish I could still play with him more times. The wheel of football is always moving and then you need to adapt yourself."
Jota makes heartbreaking Kyogo claim after Celtic return
Jota will know more about the cyclic nature of football than most. He left Celtic in the summer of 2023 but quickly found out that the grass was not greener on the other side, as he was left out of plans at Al-Ittihad.
He would end his spell at Al-Ittihad by joining Rennes last summer. Unfortunately, his run in France was not much better and he was not in Jorge Sampaoli's plans after a change in managers at the Ligue 1 club.
Now, Jota finds himself back at Celtic, where he enjoyed so much success the first time around. Fans will be hoping that that is the case once again. Brendan Rodgers has a great record when it comes to bringing out the best in wingers. Nicolas Kuhn, Scott Sinclair and Patrick Roberts are great examples of that.