Celtic have Jota replacement ‘lined up’ after deal agreed – pundit
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will have a replacement ready for Jota.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers defender Alan Hutton said even with Benfica’s sell-on clause the sale of Jota is still worthwhile for the Hoops.
The Celts confirmed the departure of the 24-year-old for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad on Monday (3 July).
The winger has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Saudi Pro League champions.
The deal is reportedly worth £25million with Jota’s former club Benfica set to pocket 30% of the fee due to a sell-on clause in his Hoops contract.
The attacker joined Parkhead on loan from the Portuguese club in 2021 and made the permanent switch last summer after the Hoops triggered their option to buy worth around £6.5m.
Hutton was surprised by Jota’s move but doesn’t blame the club or the player for accepting the offer.
“I must admit I thought people were at it when I first heard about it,” he told Football Insider.
“I understand from his point of view the money that is over there, the superstars that are going over there at this moment in time, there is a huge transfer fee.
“Celtic bought him for £6.5m so to even get him for £25m in and have to give 30 per cent to Benfica is still worth it.
“I am pretty sure Brendan Rodgers would have wanted to keep him but that being said he will have replacements lined up and if he can reinvest that money he will be happy.“
In other news, Rodgers stance on letting star striker leave Celtic revealed.