Celtic seal Jota return as winger signs five-year deal

Celtic have confirmed the signing of Portuguese winger Jota after the player completed his move from Rennes.

Jota has signed a five-year deal for his second spell at the club after completing a medical and finalising the paperwork for his transfer.

The 25-year-old is Celtic’s first January signing and is back at the Parkhead side just 18 months after Celtic banked a club record £25m fee for his sale to Al Ittihad.

The winger moved to Celtic from Benfica in 2021, initially on loan and was a huge success for the club. He won two league titles, two League Cups and a Scottish Cup before being sold to Saudi side Al Ittihad.

Jota did not have a happy time in the Pro League, unable to become a regular first team player, and moved to Rennes last August on a three-year contract.

However, he was not part of new manager Jorge Sampaoli’s plans for the Ligue 1 side and a deal was struck to return to Celtic for a fraction of the fee they sold him for only 18 months ago.

Celtic confirmed the signing on Monday.

Jota said: “It’s very nostalgic for me because it was such an amazing feeling and all the moments that I felt through my two seasons here, and I’m just delighted to be back. I’m really excited and I just can’t wait to start.

“The best thing in Glasgow, besides Celtic obviously, is the people and I feel like I need a place with soul, where I feel at home. This is definitely something I was looking for, and I think there is no better match than Celtic.

“I’m so excited. The last year-and-a-half has had its ups and downs, but that’s life and that’s how football is. Now I just can’t wait to work hard, to get along with the lads again and just to flow.”