Former Celtic and Rangers players Jota and Glen Kamara have been excluded from Rennes’ training group.
The duo has been relegated to the ‘loft’ as the French Ligue 1 club aims to reduce their squad during the final weeks of the January transfer window, according to Le Parisien.
Jota, a winger, spent two successful years at Celtic, where he played a key role under Ange Postecoglou, contributing to 54 goals in 83 appearances.
In 2023, he moved to Saudi Arabia in a lucrative transfer to Al-Ittihad. However, after struggling to make an impact there, he joined Rennes last summer, shortly after Glen Kamara’s arrival.
Addressing the unique bond he felt with the fans, Jota remarked:
“You guys found a way of loving me more than my previous girlfriends and I guarantee you that we were crazy in love. For what matters, I think I loved you more than them so believe me, I’ll love you for life.”
He also expressed appreciation for the entire Celtic community, saying, “To the players, to the staff and for all of the involved departments, a big thank you from me. You made me better.”
Concluding his heartfelt message, Jota shared his enduring connection to the club: “Celtic will always have a special place in my heart, and one day my biggest dream will be to sit down with my kids and just tell them how magical and special this place is because life is all about stories and this one was just unbelievable. Today I become another fan, the ones that live and make the club. Forever yours.”
Kamara, a Finland international, moved to Rennes from Leeds in July of last year. Despite joining with promise, the pair have collectively managed just 23 appearances under Jorge Sampaoli across all competitions this season.
With limited contributions, both players now appear set to leave, as Rennes reportedly “hopes” to facilitate their departures in the “coming days.”
This development coincides with speculation surrounding Rennes’ interest in Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi.
His future has been a topic of discussion this month, particularly after the MLS’ official website mistakenly published an article claiming he had completed a move to Atlanta United.
