Report: Celtic have interest in winger Filipe Jota

By Euan Davidson

August 28, 2021

Celtic are interested in 22-year-old Portuguese winger Filipe Jota, according to a report in the Daily Record.

According to the Daily Record, Celtic are keen to take Jota in on loan from Benfica. A star at youth level, Jota was a key player for Portugal at the European Championship in 2018. They won a fourth U19 European title, with Jota in the Team of the Tournament [UEFA].

Jota, who spent last season on loan with Real Valladolid, came through the youth ranks at Benfica. The Portuguese giants, famous for their development of young players, are keen to loan him out again.

Jota has played at every available youth level for Portugal. Capable on either wing, he’s primarily a left-sided player. That’s an area of relative weakness for Celtic.

Mikey Johnston’s ongoing fitness concerns and Mohamed Elyounoussi’s departure leave plenty of space. Ryan Christie and Kyogo have deputised in the position. James Forrest has also moved across from his favoured right-flank.

However, depth in the position would be of benefit to Celtic. For the fast-paced game that Postecoglou prefers, rotation will be vital. Especially for wing players, who are expected to operate both on the flank and deeper into midfield.

Jota, then, seems as good a candidate as any. In 19-20, he played 19 times in Liga NOS for Benfica. A loan to Valladolid in La Liga yielded 18 appearances, including a goal in the Copa del Rey.

Some fans don’t like loan moves, but Jota to Celtic makes sense

This seems like a potentially low-risk, high-reward scenario for Celtic. The expectations on Jota, given his pedigree, will be high. But if he, at the very least, provides some squad depth then it’s hard to argue with it.

While Ewan Henderson is capable on the left-wing, it’s not his natural position. Owen Moffat and Karamoko Dembele prefer to operate on the left. Adam Montgomery is a left-back, more than he is an attacker – despite formally playing as a striker.

So, boosting the options in that position makes utter sense. Especially if it’s with someone who’s been a hotly-tipped prospect for some time.

Given the quality of players who’ve come through the Benfica academy over recent years, there’s reason to even be a little excited. Think Joao Felix, Ederson, Ruben Dias and more. There’s a reason they’ve raked in a billion from sales over the last decade [Sun].

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