Celtic’s Jota deal hits a complication

Celtic’s hopes of signing Jota on a permanent basis could be impacted by a change in management at Benfica. 

On Tuesday Jorge Jesus was sacked as head coach after 16 months in charge- a period that saw Jota sent out on loan to Real Valladolid and Celtic. 

A 3-0 defeat away to Porto in the Portuguese Cup was the final straw for Jesus but caretaker Nelson Verissimo fared little better with a 3-1 defeat away to Porto in the league in his first match in charge. 

Verussimo coached Jota in the Benfica B side and although he is unlikely to get the job on a permanent basis a change in management may open the door for Jota to get a fresh opportunity at his boyhood club after impressing on loan at Celtic. 

Covering the issue this morning, BBC Gossip reported: 

On-loan winger Jota’s return to Benfica from Celtic to receive treatment for a hamstring injury has coincided with the sacking of veteran head coach Jorge Jesus and the appointment as interim boss of Nelson Verissimo, who was the 22-year-old coach with the reserve team. (Sunday Times, print edition) 

Celtic do have an option to buy Jota in the loan deal with Benfica but ultimately any deal will be down to the player, a change in management at Benfica is one aspect that the player will consider.

The immediate issue for Celtic is the condition of Jota’s hamstring which was injured in the 1-0 win over Hearts on December 2. 

Hopefully the warmer weather of Lisbon will prove beneficial with the winger due back at Celtic to prepare for the resumption of fixtures on January 17 when Hibs are the visitors to Celtic Park.