Celtic complete permanent Jota move as winger joins from Benfica on five-year contract

Celtic have completed the signing of Portuguese winger Jota on a permanent five-year deal from Benfica.

The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at the Premiership champions, scoring 13 times in 40 appearances as Ange Postecoglu’s side claimed a league and cup double.

A fee had already been agreed as part of that temporary contract should Celtic have chosen to finalise a long-term deal, however the club had to wait for the player to return from holiday to thrash out personal terms.

Benfica will retain 30% of any future transfer fee generated should the player move on from the club.

He becomes the third player to make their loan deal at the club permanent this summer after Daizen Maeda and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

“It was a great experience last season. I already knew, more or less, how big Celtic was but I think people only realise once you are inside the club and inside the structure,” he told the club’s website.

“With the season that we had with all the winning and all the trophies, I think it was very good for everyone, and I just got to know the club in another perspective, and I just fell in love. So I think it’s a good time to be here and I just want to develop.”

Jota’s arrival comes after that of Argentine full back Alexandro Bernabei, who sealed a move from Lanús in his homeland earlier this week.

The club have also signed goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist on a free transfer from Dundee United in preparation for their Champions League return.