In an unexpected change of events, Portuguese winger Jota has left Celtic Football Club owing to unforeseen circumstances. This development occurs shortly after his highly anticipated return to the club in January 2025.
A brief reunion.
Jota’s first stint with Celtic began in 2021, and he rapidly became a fan favourite, contributing considerably to the club’s success. His efforts were critical in securing multiple titles, and his flare on the wing set him apart in the Scottish Premiership. Jota joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in July 2023 for a record £25 million price. However, his stint in the Middle East was brief, and he moved to French club Rennes in August 2024. Despite the new surroundings, Jota struggled to secure consistent playing time, raising questions about his future.
The opportunity to return to Celtic came in January 2025, when the club signed him to a five-and-a-half-year contract. Jota was overjoyed at his return, saying, “I am buzzing to be back home and can’t wait to get started.”
Unexpected Departure
Despite the excitement surrounding his comeback, Jota has left Celtic abruptly due to unforeseen circumstances. While specifics are unknown, sources within the club believe that personal circumstances have prompted this decision. Throughout this time, Celtic’s management and coaching staff have voiced empathy and support for Jota, emphasising the importance of player well-being above everything else.
Impact on Celtic
Jota’s departure will be a huge task for Celtic, especially given the recent move of attacker Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes. The team had planned to establish a dangerous attacking squad with Jota’s comeback complementing previous players. Manager Brendan Rodgers now has the burden of revamping the team’s offensive philosophy and possibly pursuing reinforcements before the transfer window ends.
Fan Reactions
The Celtic fanbase has responded to the news with a combination of disappointment and empathy. Fans had been anticipating Jota’s contributions to the team’s campaign and are now adjusting to the unexpected development. Many people have rushed to social media to show their support for Jota, wishing him well in his future endeavours and hoping that he will return to professional football when circumstances allow.