Celtic are reportedly expecting Jota to sign a permanent contract with the club, and it could be finalised as early as this week, according to the Daily Record.
The Lowdown: Eye-catching loan spell
The 23-year-old joined the Premiership side on a season-long loan from Benfica last summer, and as part of his deal, it is claimed that there is a purchase option for a fee believed to be in the region of just over £6m.
During his spell with the Glasgow giants, the forward has made 40 appearances under Ange Postecoglou across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and registering 14 assists (as per Transfermarkt). Such form has clearly caught the eye of the Hoops’ hierarchy, who are now keen to retain Jota’s services outright.
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The Latest: Jota close to permanent move
In an article from the Daily Record late on Tuesday night, it is claimed that the 23-year-old’s representatives are ‘due to hold a final round of talks’ with Celtic, which should see a permanent transfer completed over the next few days.
The report added that the Parkhead hierarchy have now ‘exercised’ the option to buy and have ‘all but agreed’ personal terms with the player ahead of his permanent move to Glasgow.
The Verdict: Instrumental to Celtic’s success
Jota has been a key figure in Celtic’s success this season, so it comes as no surprise to see that Postecoglou wants to keep him at the club for next term and beyond.
The £4.95m-rated talisman has proven to be a huge threat in the final third this season, averaging 2.7 shots, two key passes and 1.7 dribbles per league game (via WhoScored), making himself a real handful for opposition defenders to try and handle. Indeed, of the current Celtic squad, only David Turnbull achieved a higher WhoScored rating, illustrating the Portuguese gem’s importance to the side.
He was also hailed as a “terrific” and “clinical” player by Owen Hargraves last November following a fine performance against Ferencvaros in the Europa League.
Jota’s impact on the pitch is no doubt one of the main reasons why the Hoops have enjoyed so much success this term, having won the Premiership and Scottish League Cup. Should the 23-year-old extend his stay in Glasgow, Celtic could well go on to achieve even bigger and better things in the years to come.
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