Soccer

Jota ‘delighted to be back’ after rejoining Celtic in Kyogo Furuhashi swap deal

The 25-year-old has completed his move from Rennes.

Jota is back at Celtic
Jota is back at Celtic (Andrew Milligan/PA)
By Gavin McCafferty, PA

Celtic have secured Jota on a five-and-a-half-year contract after the Portuguese winger swapped places with Kyogo Furuhashi.

The 25-year-old has completed his move from Rennes 18 months after leaving Celtic in a reported £25million move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad.

Jota’s return was confirmed less than an hour before Rennes announced the signing of Furuhashi.

Former Benfica player Jota scored 28 goals across two seasons with Celtic.

Jota told Celtic TV: “It’s very nostalgic for me because it was such an amazing feeling and all the moments that I felt through my two seasons here, and I’m just delighted to be back. I’m really excited and I just can’t wait to start.

“The best thing in Glasgow, besides Celtic obviously, is the people and I feel like I need a place with soul, where I feel at home. This is definitely something I was looking for, and I think there is no better match than Celtic.

“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, to get along with the lads again and just to flow.”

Japanese striker Furuhashi departed after hitting 85 goals for Celtic following his arrival in the summer of 2021.

The 30-year-old told his new club’s website: “After some great years with Celtic, I was looking for a new challenge in a recognised league. Physically and technically, the league is very competitive.”