Jota’s future at Rennes remains uncertain, despite joining the Ligue 1 side in the summer for a reported €10 million following his brief stint with Al-Ittihad.
During his two memorable seasons at Celtic, the Portuguese winger became a fan favorite, and speculation about a potential return to Glasgow has never fully disappeared.
However, Trabzonspor have emerged as contenders for his signature, reportedly exploring a loan deal for the remainder of the Süper Lig season.
The Turkish side is also considering an obligation to buy at the end of the campaign. Their reluctance to pay a transfer fee outright could open the door for Celtic to make a move, particularly with a potential spot in the Champions League knockout playoffs on the horizon.
While a return to Celtic Park might seem unlikely at this stage, there’s renewed hope. Turkish outlet Habererk has reported that Jota is available for just £6.7 million—a figure only slightly above the £6.5 million Celtic paid Benfica to sign him permanently in 2022 after a successful loan spell.
As Celtic prepare for a crucial clash against Young Boys, where a victory could secure their place in the Champions League knockout playoffs, the idea of bringing Jota back might gain traction.
His return would provide valuable depth and an attacking boost, particularly as Celtic aim to push further in Europe during the second half of the season.
Despite the appeal of a reunion, one potential obstacle is Jota’s reported weekly wage at Rennes, which stands at £39,031.10.
However, there’s precedent for players taking pay cuts to reignite their careers—Kieran Tierney’s anticipated return to Celtic on reduced terms is a recent example.
For Jota, a move back to Celtic could offer the perfect opportunity to recover from a turbulent 18 months since leaving the club, helping him rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers.
Whether Celtic take this chance remains to be seen, but it seems like an option worth considering.
