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Jota's transfer to Celtic is 'mental' as Premiership rival boils it down to £18million 'loan' coup

Jota in Celtic training
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Jota's return to Celtic sparked a social media frenzy and a major buzz amongst the Hoops fan base.

But one current SPFL star has branded the return for £9million MENTAL. Current Motherwell and former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday was speaking on Open Goal about the return of the Portuguese winger and was in disbelief at the deal being done. Just 18 months ago the Hoops bagged £25million from Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League and now he's back in the green and white hoops at a snip of that fee.

Discussing the move, Halliday compared it to basically Celtic sending him out on an 18-month loan between his time in Saudi and in France with Rennes and receiving a whopping £18million fee for their troubles. He explained: “The one, for me, how they have got Jota for £9million, after selling him for £25m is, I don’t get. Honestly, I think it's mental. They basically loaned him out for £18m for 18 months.”

READ MORE: Lyall Cameron deal agreed, £16m man returns – Rangers' dream end to transfer window

READ MORE: Kieran Tierney deal agreed, £34m striker joins - Celtic's perfect end to transfer window

Andy Halliday on Open Goal
Andy Halliday on Open Goal

Jota has already been snapped in training under new boss Brendan Rodgers but he WON'T face Aston Villa tonight. He is not eligible to turn out in the Champions League at this stage as Celtic bring their league phase campaign to an end at Villa Park.

But the good news for the Hoops faithful is that he will be available in the play-off round should Rodgers register him for action. And while he can't play in Europe this midweek, they will be desperate to see him in domestic action as soon as possible and one thing you can guarantee is that his 'Jota on the wing' chant will be ringing around the stands in full voice.