Benfica are looking to speed player sales along, and are desperate to trim their first team squad, which could help a Jota move to Celtic, according to a report.
The Portuguese side, who had a difficult 2021 with scandal aplenty [Guardian], have produced endless top talents over the last decade. However, they find themselves with a bloated playing squad, and new manager Nelson Verissimo is working under tight restrictions.
According to the report [Scottish Daily Mail, print edition 04/01/22, p.77], there isn’t any real flexibility on the fee attached to his loan, a reported €7.5m [£6.31m] [A Bola]. However, Celtic may be able to structure a deal to their liking, with Benfica keen to offload players.
Benfica, according to the report, are looking to promote B Team talent, with several loanees away from the club and veterans approaching the end of their contracts. It’s a situation that undoubtedly benefits Celtic in negotiations.
Since joining Celtic, Jota has been absolutely sensational. He’s scored 8 goals and provided 6 assists across all competitions [Transfermarkt]. That’s roughly a goal involvement every 109 minutes for the Bhoys.
Celtic have already shored up deals for Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi. Adding a permanent deal for Jota to the equation would send the feel-good factor at Celtic Park into overdrive.
The tricky Portuguese winger was a sensation at youth level. After a relatively difficult start to life as a professional, and limited opportunities at his hometown club Benfica, Jota has truly come to life at Celtic.
Benfica problems mean Celtic signing Jota looks on
Now, nothing is confirmed until, of course, it’s confirmed.
However, this report suggests that a Jota deal is down the road. If Celtic can structure the payment for the winger, potentially spreading the cost a bit, then even better. Being able to sign 3 new players, secure a loanee with incredible potential, and maybe even attempt a Carter-Vickers deal?
It’d be arguably our best January window in living memory.
It’s certainly in stark contrast to last year. It feels as if the club have direction, clout and plans. The Jota situation required real foresight; knowing what was happening at Benfica, trusting Jota would be impactful at Celtic, and love playing for the club.
It’s smart, smart recruitment. And by all suggestion, the player himself is loving life in Glasgow. Although he’s missed the last run of games, his impact has been excellent since coming from Benfica.
It’ll be a little hard for Jota, perhaps; Benfica are his childhood club. The idea of him being rushed out the door amidst a crisis isn’t ideal for him.
But Celtic fans won’t mind one bit.
Read more: Report: Celtic player could leave today after visiting potential new club’s training ground
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