Celtic fans will be sad to see Kyogo Furuhashi depart. The Japanese striker is one of the most popular figures in the club's recent history. On the other hand, the supporters have reason to be happy as well as the Hoops are set to welcome back Jota, who will be returning to Parkhead a year-and-a-half after leaving in a £25 million transfer move to Al-Ittihad.
Jota's time at Al-Ittihad was not fruitful and he joined Rennes last summer. Unfortunately for the Portuguese winger, he was not successful at the French club either.
That has opened the door for a return to Celtic. With the Hoops already searching for a winger this winter, they have taken the opportunity to bring him back.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Jota joins Celtic for a €10 million transfer fee. There is also a 10% sell-on clause.
Jota joins Celtic as Fabrizio Romano confirms transfer fee
The fee does come as a bit of a surprise. It is believed that Rennes signed Jota from Al-Ittihad in the summer for a figure of around €8 million. And he quite certainly did not do enough in France to have raised his transfer value.
Then again, Celtic know very well what Jota is capable of. He was absolutely brilliant during his two seasons at Parkhead and the fans must be delighted to have him back.
Brendan Rodgers' record of getting the best out of wingers is cause for optimism as well. Just look at how well both Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda have done this season. During his first spell, Scott Sinclair was a standout.
One also has to wonder whether signing Jota means that Daizen Maeda will play a more central role moving forward. He plays there for Japan and already has 15 goals from the wing for Celtic this season.