Jota’s Journey: From Celtic Hero to Rennes Misfit and Back Again

Portuguese winger João Pedro Neves Filipe, known as Jota, is set to return to Celtic after a disappointing spell at Rennes. The French club has agreed to a €10m transfer fee, bringing an end to Jota’s brief and unsuccessful stint in Ligue 1.

Jota’s career took an unexpected turn when he left Celtic for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. His time there was marred by registration issues and limited playing time. The move to Rennes in the summer of 2023 was meant to revitalize his career, but it failed to live up to expectations.

Several factors contributed to Jota’s struggles at Rennes. A lack of proper preseason preparation due to his late arrival hampered his fitness levels. The club’s overall poor squad building and results also impacted his performance. Additionally, the tactical preferences of new manager Jorge Sampaoli did not align with Jota’s playing style.

Despite his difficulties, Jota remained popular among teammates and showed flashes of his potential. However, limited opportunities and the club’s desire to reshape the squad led to his early departure.

As Jota returns to Celtic, fans should temper their expectations. The past 18 months have been challenging for the once-promising winger. However, his decision to rejoin a familiar and successful environment at Celtic Park demonstrates his determination to rediscover his best form.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expressed excitement about working with Jota, acknowledging his quality while noting areas for improvement. With patience and support, Jota may yet recapture the magic that made him a fan favorite during his first spell at Celtic.