Celtic learn bargain Jota price tag as return whispers heighten and Kyogo stance laid bare - Parkhead transfer bulletin
Rennes are said to be willing to cut their losses to get shot of out of favour winger Jota - despite only signing the former Celtic favourite last summer.
Jota sealed his return to Europe to join Ligue 1 side Rennes in a €10miillion (£8.4million) deal at the end of the August after a disappointing season out in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad. However, the Portuguese wide man has fared little better in France, scoring just once in 10 appearances in all competitions.
To make matters worse, the 25-year-old appears to have fallen down the pecking order even further under new Rennes boss Jorge Sampaoli, who has told him to train away from the first team. Hoops fans are dreaming of a Parkhead return for Kieran Tierney, but seeing Jota in the green-and-white again would go down a treat in Glasgow's east end.
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE as Rangers and Celtic plus Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs eye signings
And according to Turkish outlet Fanatik (via Habererk) the winger will be available this month for a reduced fee of €8m (£6.7m), which is only a narrow increase on the £6.5million Celtic paid Benfica to land the ex Portugal youth international on a permanent transfer in the summer of 2022. They add that Turkish Super Lig outfit Trabzonspor are very keen on the player but that they are more likely to explore the possibility of a loan deal.
Going the other way, Rennes are believed to be keen on trying to land Celtic talisman Kyogo. Boss Rodgers previously admitted that he can't force his stars to stay in Glasgow but ahead of Wednesday's Champions League showdown with Young Boys has reiterated just how important the Japanese forward is to his team.
He said: "The one thing I would say with Kyogo in terms of how my teams have always played, he’s the absolute ideal prototype of player that plays for me as a striker. Firstly, his pressing is incredible. The speed at which he presses, the constant work rate is there. And then clearly with the ball, his movement, his touch, his awareness.
“All those things that he brings to the game is absolutely perfect to play on a team of mine. He showed that, off a wider position, he can do that. I believe he came in here as a wide player so he can clearly play in that position.
“But I think the flexibility is good. We had to do that whenever we had players that were injured. So if we need it again, there’s a possibility to do it. But his best position is as a central striker.”
Elsewhere, departed Celtic full back Alexandro Bernabei insists the club will always be in his heart after he sealed a permanent switch to Brazilian top-flight club Internacional. The Argentine defender initially joined the club on loan last year and his impressive displays earned him a place in the league's team of the season.
Internacional are believed to have paid a fee of £5.5million for the 24-year-old, with the Hoops making a tidy profit of nearly £2million from the £3.75million they forked out to bring him to Parkhead from Lanus in June 2022. Taking to social media, Bernabei wrote: "I am proud to have been the first Argentine to join this beautiful club. I want to thank the entire coaching staff and all the people at the club for the beautiful year and a half I spent at @celtic.
"Thanks to the Celtic fans for the support they have given me during my stay. It was a pleasure to be part of this great club and experience unforgettable moments at the Celtic Park stadium. I will always carry Celtic in my heart. thanks for everything."
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