Jota poised to seal Celtic transfer return after Hoops fans made to wait for £9million man
Celtic could finalise the £9million return of Jota on Monday.
The Portuguese winger is poised to make a Parkhead comeback just 18 months after leaving for Saudi Arabia. Jota was back in Glasgow on Saturday to finalise negotiations on a long-term agreement which is understood to be four-and-a-half years. Manager Brendan Rodgers had stated on Friday that he hoped the transfer could be concluded within 24 hours. But with no confirmation throughout Sunday, Celtic could make their announcement on Monday.
Kyogo Furuhashi’s move in the other direction to Rennes has also yet to be confirmed by the French outfit. The Japanese headed to France four days ago to have the finer points of his transfer ironed out and to get a medical done. Rodgers is actively in the market for a new hitman to replace Kyogo with a host of candidates including Danish striker Mathias Kvistgaarden of Brondby.
READ MORE: Kyogo cover broken amid Celtic exit delay as Rennes transfer mystery sees welcome party emerge
Jota’s potential return has captured the imagination of the supporters who were left deflated when he departed for Al-Ittihad in a £25m switch. The 25-year-old’s move didn’t work out and he was subsequently transferred to Rennes last summer. Jota fell out of favour with boss Jorge Sampaoli, opening the door for Celtic to make a move.
The Celtic boss is making key alterations to his unit before the close of the window with a move also underway for Kieran Tierney. Arsenal’s defender is out of contract at the end of the season and a pre-contract agreement can be signed in this window.
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