Close to marriage! Celtic’s first summer deal on the way

Jota is close to becoming a Celtic player with one Portuguese outlet claiming that a marriage is on the way! 

Last Saturday the winger played in the final match of a loan period that seems to have been ideal for all parties involved. Jota helped Celtic to win two trophies, the player got a regular run of matches including the group phase of the Europa League while Benfica look like picking up a worthwhile fee for a player that has barely been involved in their first team. 

There are always complications involved in football but with stability at Celtic and a place in the group stage of the Champions League coming up in September Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that upgrading the move to a permanent deal is close to completion. 

Under the headline ‘JOTA WILL MARRY CELTIC’ A Bola reports: 

Only a huge comeback will prevent Jota from wearing the Celtic jersey again next season. Champion at the service of the Scottish club and key player in the title, with ten goals and 11 assists in the 29 matches in which he participated (25 of which as a starter), the 23-year-old forward found a new home at Celtic Park after 12 years de Benfica and not only stole the stands but also let himself be snatched by the atmosphere, a context that led him to decide to “yes” to marrying the Scottish club after a season that resulted in a very happy relationship. 

The Scottish club has already communicated to Benfica the decision to trigger the option to purchase the pass, paying the €7.5M agreed upon on the loan and guaranteeing 70 percent of the player’s sporting rights. 

Jota is currently on holiday with a number of Celtic team-mates in Ibiza which is a minor sign that he enjoyed the season just finished and is in no rush to move elsewhere. 

A transfer fee of around £6m and a 30% sell on clause for Benfica may appear heavy but Postecoglou’s judgement and value looks like delivering better value on and off the pitch compared to the near £10m committed a year earlier on Albian Ajeti and Vasilis Barkas.