The hefty figure it would now reportedly take Celtic to sign CCV and Jota

By David Walton

December 1, 2021

With the latest update on Cameron Carter-Vickers’ situation, Celticmay now have to splash out an even more considerable sum to secure both him and Jota before the summer.

The Daily Record reported last night that Spurs are now looking for £10m for the USA international. That’s despite the fact they were only reportedly eyeing up less than £6m for him in the summer.

In a way, it seems as though Celtic are effectively being punished for continuing his development. At 23, CCV needs to be playing regularly, and it’s fair to say the Spurs fans weren’t overly impressed with the news either.

Even so, it is what it is. Spurs are the club that will set his valuation. And it’s fair to say Celtic fans want both he and Jota to sign up for the long-term in the coming months.

Unfortunately, that figure is starting to look eye-watering. Jota, remember, has an option-to-buy figure that reportedly sits at £6.5m [Sky Sports]. Therefore, it will now be as much as £16.5m just to secure those 2 players alone should Spurs and Benfica refuse to lower their estimations.

As talented as both are, it’s difficult to see where Celtic splash that kind of cash. Especially when you take into consideration more rebuilding will be needing done next summer.

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It’s very easy to just sit and say “Sign CCV and Jota” because both will undoubtedly improve the playing squad. Ange Postecoglou will also want consistency when it comes to his team heading into next season. He won’t want to be making more changes than is actually necessary.

However, the club won’t just throw as much cash as is needed at the problem. Investments will only be made in CCV and Jota if they believe it to be right. It could even be a case of either/or at this point.

Seeing Celtic splash as much as £16.5m on 2 players this summer comes across as unlikely. And to be honest, you could hardly argue against that verdict either if it proves to be the case. Not when there could be alternative options available at more bargain prices.

You get the feeling even this early on that fans would much rather punt for Jota if it was a choice between either. Not that CCV hasn’t been bolstering the strength of our backline, his performances dictate otherwise. However, finding a replacement for him would be a simpler task than Jota.

It would also help Celtic if they can guarantee UCL qualification for next season by winning the Premiership this year. All of a sudden, that transfer budget grows and the opportunity to keep both could become a reality.

Alternative, Spurs or Benfica lower their respective asking prices, but don’t hold your breath.

In other news, Charlie Nicholas puts forward controversial view on Celtic vs Hibernian ticket debate