Can Jota play for Celtic against Aston Villa? UEFA rules explained ahead of Champions League blockbuster
It might've taken longer than expected, but Celtic have welcomed a former hero back to Parkhead.
All eyes have been on Kieran Tierney's imminent return to his boyhood club since the start of the month, but Jota beat the Scotland international to become Brendan Rodgers' first addition of the January window. He has inked a five-and-a-half year deal at Celtic Park, costing around £9m - a fraction of the £25m the Hoops received when he was sold to Saudi Arabia less than two years ago. And Jota's arrival comes just days before a vital Champions League clash with Aston Villa.
But Celtic supporters will have to wait a little longer to see their new man back in action, because he can't be registered in time to feature in the Battle of Britain showdown on January 29. That's because UEFA rules state that a player has to be registered in their original squad to feature in the league stage of the competition.
But there is some good news. Having secured at least a place in the knockout play off stage of the competition following a late win against Swiss side Young Boys last week, Jota can be registered in time for the next round. And two other new faces could join him, opening the door for Tierney when a deal with Arsenal is finally agreed.
On their website, UEFA say: "Ahead of the knockout phase, clubs can register a maximum of three new players by 24:00 CET on 6 February 2025. Any or all of the players from the above quota of three may have been fielded for another club in the qualifying phase, play-offs or league phase of the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League. The overall limit of 25 players on List A (the Champions League squad) remains, though, along with the quota of eight locally-trained players."
Jota has played just nine times for Rennes in French Ligue 1 this season, and admitted in his first press conference that it will take time for him to get back up to full speed. But he could be pressed into European action as early as February 11 or 12 for the first knock-out play off match - unless Celtic can secure automatic passage to the last 16. But his lack of availability for the trip to the Midlands, coupled with Kyogo's departure, puts big pressure on £9m man Adam Idah to end his goal drought at Villa Park.
