Jota, once a fan favourite at Celtic, made headlines in the summer of 2023 with a stunning £25 million transfer to Saudi giants Al-Ittihad.
The Portuguese winger’s move was part of the club’s ambitious spending spree, but things never quite clicked for him in the Gulf state, leaving him searching for a way out just months after arriving.
Failed West Ham Move and a Switch to Rennes:
A potential escape route to the Premier League seemed to emerge in January 2024, with West Ham showing serious interest.
However, the deal fell through due to complications surrounding a hefty tax bill Jota would have faced on his return to the UK. As a result, any hopes of a quick reunion with Celtic were also dashed, as he instead turned to France for a fresh start.
Jota joined Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais in Brittany, where his flair and creativity will be badly needed. Rennes are struggling this season, sitting in 13th place in the table.
Their recent form has been disappointing, with defeats to heavyweights PSG and Monaco, along with frustrating draws against Lens and Brest.
A Local Derby and a Slice of Scottish Football History:
Rennes now face another crucial fixture, hosting regional rivals Le Havre at Roazhon Park on Friday.
While Celtic fans have fond memories of playing at Rennes in European competition, Le Havre’s connection to Scottish football history is more unusual.
The Normandy club was set to play Rangers in a pre-season friendly in 2012, but the match was cancelled after Rangers went into liquidation.
Other planned friendlies, including one against Kelty Hearts, were similarly called off as the original Rangers FC ceased to exist, a fact that still divides opinions to this day.
Jota Reflects Fondly on His Time at Celtic:
Despite his lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia, Jota has spoken openly about how much he cherishes his time at Celtic. In a recent interview with Ouest France, the 25-year-old reflected on the emotional connection he built with the club and its supporters.
“You had to be in Glasgow at that moment to feel it,” Jota said.
“Playing at Celtic Park, feeling the love of the fans, having the chance to be coached by an incredible coach (in Ange Postecoglou) in a group where everything turned out well. You have to thank everyone for what happened there.”
He went on to say that the memories of those moments will stay with him forever:
“I hope one day to be able to show my children what it was like, all the love I received. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”
A Pop Anthem for a Celtic Icon:
Jota’s bond with the Celtic faithful was perfectly captured when singer-songwriter Ellie Dixon performed “Jota on the Wing” in front of 60,000 fans at Celtic Park.
The crowd joined in as a backing choir, paying tribute to their Portuguese superstar. Moments like these cemented Jota’s status as a Celtic legend, and although his career has since taken unexpected turns, his connection with the club remains unbreakable.
Now at Rennes, Jota will hope to reignite his spark and help steer the French club back on track, but it’s clear that his heart still holds a special place for the Glasgow giants and their devoted supporters.