Former Benfica hero Alvaro Magalhaes believes Benfica should allow Jota to sign for Celtic permanently this summer.
The Portuguese youth international has been a revelation for the Hoops in his season-long loan stint this season. Jota has racked up 10 goals and 10 assists so far this season [Transfermarkt]. It’s worth remembering he was also out of action for month between December and January.
Sky Sports have reported that Celtic have an option to buy the player for just over £6m. However, there’s been no solution as of yet regarding what will happen in the summer.
But Magalhaes, who played with Benfica for 9 years between 1981 and 1990, has come out and voiced his support for a permanent move to Parkhead.
As quoted by Portuguese outlet Record, Magalhaes said: “I think so [whether he should be sold to Celtic]. He has had many opportunities and has not managed to consolidate his quality as a player. He was loaned and there is no doubt that he is having a good championship in Scotland.
“There are players who have quality and value, but often they don’t adapt to their own coaches. It could be that, with another coach, he could create status at Benfica.
“[But] he had several opportunities – I don’t care if they were many or few – and at Benfica you don’t have to have 10 chances, you have to take one and take it. There’s no doubt he’s adapted better in Scotland and he’s doing extremely well.”
Jota to Celtic permanently? Don’t expect an answer for some time
This isn’t a question we’re going to get an answer to anytime soon. Not because Celtic won’t be pursuing the matter, but it’s become clear nothing will happen until the season is over.
In a way that suits us. It allows Celtic to focus on their pursuit of the league title and then it’s an issue they can come around to when it comes to squad-building for next season. The same goes with Tottenham Hotspur loanee Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Of course, given we have an option to buy, there’s nothing Benfica to do to stop us triggering it. That would give us permission to speak to the player. However, the concern comes with the fact that Jota is under no obligation to stay beyond the summer.
If Benfica pitch to him a path into their first-team under their new coach, it could change his mindset. Right now, not many know what Jota is thinking regarding his long-term future. That’s a slight concern in itself. However, if we quality for the UEFA Champions League next season, all of a sudden we become a much more attractive destination for many.
It’s clear his form his season will attract alternative suitors. His agent will be firmly aware of it too. That’s another reason why we shouldn’t expect any news on this until the campaign is over.
Jota himself has a lot to figure out when our season comes to an end. Hopefully, when he does round everything up, he sees Celtic as the best place for his long-term future.
In other news, Celtic 2007/08 title win still hilariously rattles Nacho Novo
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
