The news from Portugal on Friday claiming the Jota to Celtic deal is nearly done has given an extra spring in out step over the past 24 hours. Portuguese publication A bola appear to have the inside scoop on the transfer and believe it would take a massive turnaround for Jota not to end up a Celtic player this summer.
The deal on the table.
Celtic had a first option to buy Jota which they have told Benfica they would like to exercise. Mail Sport chief Stephen McGowan reports the fee is £6.5m – most Celtic fans believe that’s a bargain for the winger.
However, the devil is in the detail and while Celtic want the Portuguese star in the door this summer they will have one eye on potential profit at the other end when they sell him on.
In order for the transfer from Benfica to become permanent Celtic will have to hand over a 30% sell-on stake in the player’s next move. It’s not ideal, but when you think of the money Celtic would have to spend on a player with Jota’s quality, locking Benfica in at £6.5m is a steal and if he continues his upward trajectory – some profit will be made when the time comes for the player to move on.
Celtic made a similar deal with Odsonne Edouard and PSG back in the day. Turning his loan into a £9m transfer, giving up a sizeable sell-on clause at the same time.
