Jota Returns to Celtic as Kyogo Joins Rennes – A Dynamic Transfer Shuffle
The football world is abuzz with the news of a surprising transfer move that has fans excited. Celtic has successfully completed the return of Portuguese winger Jota from Rennes, marking a significant turn of events in the winter transfer window. Just 18 months after his departure, Jota is back at Celtic Park, where he previously made a lasting impact. The winger signed a five-and-a-half-year contract, ensuring his stay until June 2030. This is a dramatic shift, considering Jota's previous high-profile moves to Saudi Arabia and France following his first spell with Celtic.
Jota’s journey has been quite a rollercoaster. After leaving Celtic in 2023 for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, where he was part of a £25 million deal, things didn’t go as planned. Despite the hefty price tag, the winger struggled to secure a regular starting spot and only made 19 appearances for the Saudi club. His stint in France with Rennes followed, but with a change in management, his situation didn’t improve, prompting Jota to seek a fresh start. And now, Celtic has welcomed him back with open arms.
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The 25-year-old described his return to Celtic as "very nostalgic." He reminisced about his time in Glasgow, saying that besides Celtic, the best thing about the city was the people. For Jota, this move feels like coming home—a place with a soul where he truly belongs. Reflecting on his experiences, he said, "The last year-and-a-half has had its ups and downs, but that's life and that's how football is. Now, I just can't wait to work hard, get along with the lads again, and just flow."
Jota initially joined Celtic in 2021 on loan from Benfica and, after impressing, his permanent move was secured. In his time with the Hoops, he scored 28 goals and provided 26 assists, playing an integral role in Celtic’s treble-winning 2022-23 season. The winger’s flair, vision, and creativity on the ball made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the squad.
Meanwhile, Celtic’s forward line has seen a shift as well. Kyogo Furuhashi, who joined the club alongside Jota in the summer of 2021, has made his own move to Rennes. The Japanese striker, who scored an impressive 85 goals in 165 appearances for Celtic, signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Ligue 1 side. Kyogo expressed his desire for a new challenge in a "recognised league," citing his belief that Rennes’ current position in Ligue 1 would motivate him to help the team rise back up the table.
This move marks the end of Kyogo’s three-year stint at Celtic, where he became a key player, known for his clinical finishing and work rate. Although his departure is a bittersweet moment for Celtic fans, the club’s ability to bring Jota back provides a renewed sense of excitement. Brendan Rodgers, Celtic's manager, expressed his delight at working with Jota once again, highlighting his previous contributions and the quality he brings to the team. Rodgers has high hopes that Jota’s return will further cement his legacy at Celtic.
With Jota’s return and Kyogo’s departure, both clubs are reshaping their squads, and the transfer window promises to bring even more thrilling developments in the coming weeks. Celtic fans can’t wait to see what Jota will bring in his second stint with the club, while Rennes is equally eager to see what Kyogo can do in France’s competitive league. The world of football is always full of surprises, and this transfer drama is just another chapter in the ever-evolving story of these two talented players.
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