Jota's nightmare spell at Al-Ittihad is set to come to an end, at least on a temporary basis for the time being. The Portuguese winger is set to leave the club on loan, a year after a £25 million move from Celtic. He has barely featured since then and has constantly been linked with an exit. The Hoops were rumoured to hold an interest in a reunion this summer but unfortunately, it looks like that is not on the cards.
Jota will be returning to European football after all. But he won't be heading back to Scotland. Instead, his next destination is set to be France.
As tweeted by Fabrizio Romano, Rennes have agreed deal to sign Jota on loan from Al Ittihad. Formal steps to follow
While a move for Jota seems to be off the table, Celtic are still looking to improve in the final third of the pitch with Matt O'Riley leaving the club for Brighton & Hove Albion. It looks like Mateusz Bogusz of Los Angeles FC and Arne Engels of FC Augsburg are two players the Hoops are trying to sign before the summer transfer window closes.
Jota's next club decided amid Celtic return links
Jota was exceptional during his two-year spell at Celtic, playing under the management of Ange Postecoglou. Other than that, things have not really worked out for him at the senior level.
He failed to make it at Benfica and his loan spell at Real Valladolid was not much to write home about either. Of course, we all know how things have turned out at Al-Ittihad.
Let's just hope that Jota has a good spell at Rennes and is able to get his career back on track. Celtic fans know what the Portuguese winger is capable of on his day. Hopefully, he can rediscover his best form in France.