‘He’s talented’: Peter Grant on Celtic star’s big chance to replace Jota after ‘surprise’ exit

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Peter Grant has highlighted Celtic’s need to replace Jota after he cashed-in on a move to Saudi Arabian Pro League side, Al-Ittihad.

Rather than looking outside of the four walls of Parkhead for a replacement, the Celtic legend pointed towards a player that is already in the building, Sead Haksabanovic.

Grant thinks that the 24-year-old is ‘talented’ enough to fill the void left by Jota, but he feels that Haksabanovic ‘hasn’t got the speed’ to go to that next level, as he told Go Radio.

You would imagine that Brendan Rodgers, with the £25 million fee obtained from the Jota sale, will want to spend it and bring in his own players.

After all, one of his best signings during his first spell was Scott Sinclair and if he can find another gem of that ilk in England, then it will bode very well for Celtic.

But what type of opportunity Rodgers provides to Haksabanovic now that a door has opened on the flanks remains to be seen, as Grant was positive about the Montenegro star.

“If you are talking about Jota going, then there is your wide player that needs to come in,” said Grant. “You have got some boys there, the likes of Haksabanovic. A chance and an opportunity. They have got to step up.

On whether Haksabanovic can take that chance: “I think he is a talented player. He’s not got the speed. I think he is better on the left-hand side than he is on the right because he can’t get by. He’s not got that pace to take you by.

“But when he plays on the left, I think he is fantastic. He sees pictures. When he comes inside, he can score goals.

“Brendan’s teams are slightly different. It will be interesting to see how they play. How will the fullback play? Does that change everything? Maybe Jota is a surprise because I don’t think anyone in England would have paid £25 million for him.”

Rodgers still has to bring in competition

It’s all good being versatile, but it’s not helpful if you can’t find the rhythm, consistency or quality in your game and that’s what Haksabanovic needs to find now that he has settled in.

To be truthful, Jota showed him the levels, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t thrive under Rodgers because it will be a different style to what Ange Postecoglou put on the table.

In that regard, Haksabanovic deserves more than a shot under Rodgers, but he still has to dip into the transfer market and boost the forward areas in order to bring in competition and strength following Jota’s exit.