John Hartson has played down Jota’s chances of making a sensational return to Celtic after only leaving this summer.
Celtic’s Treble-winning hero jumped on the ever-growing train of the Saudi Pro League by moving to Al-Ittihad in July for £25 million, as reported by Sky Sports.
It was money Celtic just couldn’t turn down, even though it surprised many.
Hartson made it clear that fans would be ‘delighted’ if Jota were to return, but he just can’t see it happening, as he told Go Radio.
This comes after suggestions that the 24-year-old might have to leave Al-Ittihad because they have ten foreign players on their books, but league rules state that they are only allowed to register eight and it has put ex-Bhoys star in the firing line.
Added to that, given that money is no object for the Saudis, then they can allow such an asset to leave, even though they have just paid a lot of money for him.
Either way, it has brought up the subject of Celtic, who are in need of boosting their squad this summer, taking back a player that served them so well, with Hartson sharing his thoughts.
“Celtic aren’t in the market to pay players half their wages or if they can get Jota for a limited wage structure (given that he’s on a reported £200k-a-week),” said Hartson.
“I am not sure (about a return for Jota). It would be a great move for the Celtic fans. They would be delighted.
On if Celtic fans would truthfully be delighted with Jota returning considering he left? “What, bringing Jota back? Of course, they would.
“He had to leave. Look at the money Celtic had for him on the back of a couple of seasons.”
Jota return unlikely, but would be sensational
That League Cup defeat at Kilmarnock has got some fans anxious and raised the question of why more players haven’t been brought in this summer.
Given that Rodgers is looking to boost his forward line and take the pressure off Kyogo, then the club surely have to enquire about the Jota situation.
Yes, it’s pretty unlikely he returns, even on loan, but who would have thought that he would end up in Saudi, in the first place, and then end up in this situation?
Jota returning would be sensational and it would lift a questioning fanbase, and if it doesn’t happen, then there is no harm.
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